Indian Wells 2026: Learner Tien vs Sinner Live in Quarterfinals — Alcaraz, Medvedev, Zverev All In Action Today
The 2026 BNP Paribas Open quarterfinals are underway Friday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California — the biggest day of the tournament so far. American wildcard Learner Tien is facing world No. 2 Jannik Sinner on Stadium 1 right now, while Carlos Alcaraz takes on Cameron Norrie in the night session. Daniil Medvedev defeated Jack Draper 6-1, 7-5 to book his semifinal spot.
Learner Tien vs Jannik Sinner LIVE: Quarterfinal Underway
Learner Tien, seeded No. 25, is facing the enormous challenge of world No. 2 Jannik Sinner in Thursday's quarterfinal on Stadium 1. The match is scheduled not before 5:00 PM ET on Stadium 1 at Indian Wells. Tien needs to continue a remarkable run that has taken the young American deep into a Masters 1000 draw for the first time in his career.
Tien enters the quarterfinals as the No. 25 seed. He defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the fourth round to set up this blockbuster match against Sinner.
Indian Wells 2026 Quarterfinal Order of Play
The full Thursday Indian Wells order of play on Stadium 1 features four marquee matches: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Victoria Mboko at 11:00 AM ET, Learner Tien vs. Jannik Sinner not before 1:00 PM ET, Jessica Pegula vs. Elena Rybakina not before 5:00 PM ET, and Carlos Alcaraz vs. Cameron Norrie in the final match of the night.
On Stadium 2, Alexander Zverev faces Arthur Fils and Daniil Medvedev played Jack Draper. Medvedev won that match 6-1, 7-5 to advance to the semifinals.
| Match | Players | Court | Time ET |
|---|---|---|---|
| WTA QF | Sabalenka vs. Mboko | Stadium 1 | 11:00 AM |
| ATP QF | Tien (25) vs. Sinner (2) | Stadium 1 | ~1:00 PM |
| WTA QF | Pegula vs. Rybakina | Stadium 1 | ~5:00 PM |
| ATP QF | Alcaraz (1) vs. Norrie (27) | Stadium 1 | Night |
| ATP QF | Zverev (4) vs. Fils (30) | Stadium 2 | Day |
| ATP QF | Medvedev (11) vs. Draper (14) | Stadium 2 | ✅ MED wins 6-1, 7-5 |
Medvedev Beats Draper 6-1, 7-5 — First Semifinal Set
Daniil Medvedev was dominant early, racing through the first set 6-1 before Draper pushed him to 7-5 in the second. Alcaraz beat Casper Ruud 6-1, 7-6(2) in the round of 16 Wednesday, while Draper beat Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) in a gruelling thriller — a result that Djokovic described as leaving him with "a bitter feeling."
How Learner Tien Got Here: His Indian Wells 2026 Run
Learner Tien and Tommy Paul lead the home American charge at Indian Wells 2026 alongside Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz. Tien's run to the quarterfinals marks one of the best performances by an American at this tournament in recent years, defeating higher-seeded opponents to reach the last eight of a Masters 1000 event as a 19-year-old.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Cameron Norrie: The Night Showdown
Alcaraz dazzled in his round of 16 win over Ruud, continuing to rewrite the Indian Wells record books. The two-time champion at this event — having won in 2023 and 2024 — is the heavy favorite to advance past Cameron Norrie and set up a blockbuster semifinal.
The defending champion at Indian Wells 2025 was Jack Draper, who denied Alcaraz a third straight title. Alcaraz is now seeking redemption on a surface and at a venue where he has dominated for three consecutive years.
Indian Wells 2026 Prize Money: $9.4 Million Total
The total prize money for the 2026 BNP Paribas Open is $9,415,725. The singles winner receives $1,151,380 and 1,000 ATP ranking points. The finalist receives $612,340 and 650 points. Each semifinalist earns $340,190 and 400 points, while each quarterfinalist takes home $193,645 and 200 points.
The semifinals are Friday, March 14 and the singles final is Sunday, March 15, not before 2:00 PM ET at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Palm Springs, California. Coverage is available on Tennis Channel in the United States.
