Carlos Alcaraz ended the Italian's incredible 16-match winning streak by defeating Jannik Sinner. With scores of 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, reigning champion Alcaraz overcame a rough start to secure a spot in Saturday's championship round.

The matchup between the two up-and-coming tennis stars was highly anticipated, especially considering Sinner's excellent play this year, which included winning the Australian Open.

The opening set suggested that Sinner might have the upper hand, especially during a crucial 34-minute game in which Alcaraz finished with a long forehand. There was another level of tension in the proceedings due to a notable three-hour rain delay during this set.

But in the second set, Alcaraz showed tenacity and strategic skills as he broke Sinner's serve with a powerful forehand to set up a vital volley for a 3-1 lead. He further demonstrated his talent with a well-placed drop shot that even the speedy Sinner couldn't return to level the match and send it into a crucial third set.

The turning point of the match came in the third set when Sinner, in a last-ditch effort to return the ball, approached the net on a break point, clearly in agony with his left hand. The tide seemed decidedly in Alcaraz's favor after this event. Alcaraz seized the opportunity and produced a graceful volley to take the lead and Sinner then made a series of unorthodox errors. Sinner then missed a wide forehand to give Alcaraz a 4-1 lead.

Alcaraz sealed the match with a forehand crosscourt winner to reach the final and maintain his position as the number two player in the world. With the win, Alcaraz's Indian Wells winning streak reached 11 matches. It also set up the much-anticipated championship match between Tommy Paul and Daniil Medvedev.