Alcaraz and Medvedev both had to battle through intense three-setters to advance to the final and both had to come back strongly after losing their opening sets.

Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 before Medvedev triumphed over hometown hopeful Tommy Paul with 1-6, 7-6, 6-2 in the second semi-final.

After ending Sinner’s winning streak, Alcaraz told Reuters that he stayed mentally strong throughout the match.

"I had to run more, defend better than I did in the first set. Put more balls in. Stay strong on the court," he said.

Medvedev had to equally dig deep to come back after losing the first set.

“He played an unbelievable first set," Medvedev said.  "So, I was like, OK, if I want to win, I just have to try to do a little bit better to find the shot that's going to make him in trouble. I found some, especially on his serve."

Indian Wells is the only hardcourt Master's 1000 title former world number one Medvedev hasn’t won yet.  Beating Alcaraz will not be easy, though.  The Spaniard has has won three of his last four meetings against the Russian. 

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger