Indian Wells
Zverev joins Nadal, Djokovic, Federer & Murray in record books
World No. 4 will meet Sinner or Next Gen ATP Finals champion Tien in Indian Wells SF
March 12, 2026
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Alexander Zverev is the fifth man to complete the set of semi-finals at all nine ATP Masters 1000 events.
By ATP Staff
Alexander Zverev reached new territory on a balmy Thursday afternoon at the BNP Paribas Open, where he secured a place in his first semi-final in Indian Wells with a controlled 6-2, 6-3 victory over Arthur Fils.
Twelve months ago, Zverev left the California desert disappointed after a frustrating second-round defeat to Tallon Griekspoor. Upon return in 2026, however, the German has looked considerably improved and, by reaching the semi-finals, he has become just the fifth player to complete the set of last-four appearances at all nine ATP Masters 1000 events since the series began in 1990, joining former No. 1s Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
California Dreamin’ 🌴@AlexZverev is two wins away from his first Indian Wells title after a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Fils!@BNPPARIBASOPEN | #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/Chlaekx6MD
— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 12, 2026
“It was definitely a very good match,” said Zverev, who improved to 5-2 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Fils. “Arthur is somebody who — when he’s healthy — is one of the best players in the world. He was on the way to the Top 10 last year, but an injury stopped him. I’m sure he’s going to be back at that level very soon.”
After dispatching Fils in 82 minutes, Zverev now awaits World No. 2 Jannik Sinner or reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion Learner Tien. With a maiden Indian Wells title this week, Zverev — the seven-time Masters 1000 champion — would overtake Djokovic and reclaim the No. 3 spot in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Fils has been steadily rediscovering his best level after returning last month from a back injury that sidelined him for eight months. The 21-year-old Frenchman reached the ATP 500 final in Doha, where he lost to top seed Carlos Alcaraz, before delivering a standout performance to defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round at Indian Wells.
Zverev, however, absorbed the Frenchman’s power and redirected it with precision, frequently mixing in drop shots to disrupt the rhythm of rallies, a tactic that proved especially effective in the conditions. Zverev also saved all three break points he faced, according to Infosys ATP Stats, and hit seven aces.
