Jannik Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-6, 7-6 in the final to win his first Indian Wells title.
The Italian was a deserving champion, ending Medvedev’s nine-match unbeaten run.
Winning the title, Sinner pocketed $1.15 million in prize money.
Will Jannik Sinner complete the Career Grand Slam at Roland Garros this year? 🤔
If not, who do you think will win Roland Garros?
Former Grand Slam semifinalist Sam Querrey has an issue with that number…
Sam Querrey believes Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka should have earned more for winning Indian Wells
During the latest episode of ‘Nothing Major‘, Querrey shared his thoughts on the prize money on offer at Indian Wells.
“[Jannik] Sinner and [Aryna] Sabalenka for winning Indian Wells both got $1.15m,” he said.
“I am convinced they should get $3m.
“The players are underpaid, I believe they should be getting closer to $3m for winning that.
“The semifinalist of the men’s tournament this year got less than they did five years ago.
“Now there is more in some of the early rounds, but still…”
Prize money at Indian Wells (2026)
| Result | Prize money | Player(s) |
| Champion | $1,151,380 | Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka |
| Finalist | $612,340 | Daniil Medvedev, Elena Rybakina |
| Semifinalist | $340,190 | Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Linda Noskova, Elina Svitolina |
| Quarterfinalist | $193,645 | Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, Arthur Fils, Learner Tien, Victoria Mboko, Talia Gibson, Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek |
| Fourth round | $105,720 | – |
| Third round | $61,865 | – |
| Second round | $36,110 | – |
| First round | $24,355 | – |
Prize money at Indian Wells (2021)
| Result | Prize money | Player(s) |
| Champion | $1,209,730 | Cameron Norrie, Paula Badosa |
| Finalist | $640,000 | Nikoloz Basilashvili, Victoria Azarenka |
| Semifinalist | $335,000 | Grigor Dimitrov, Taylor Fritz, Ons Jabeur, Jelena Ostapenko |
| Quarterfinalist | $175,000 | Hubert Hurkacz, Diego Schwartzman, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Anett Kontaveit, Angelique Kerber, Jessica Pegula, Shelby Rogers |
| Fourth round | $92,000 | – |
| Third round | $51,895 | – |
| Second round | $29,045 | – |
| First round | $18,155 | – |
Prize money difference since 2021
- Champion: -$58,350
- Finalist: -$27,660
- Semifinalist: +$5,190
- Quarterfinalist: +$18,645
- Fourth round: +$13,720
- Third round: +$9,970
- Second round: +$7,065
- First round: +$6,180
Querrey was partly correct, as players who lose early now earn more than they did five years ago.
However, quarterfinalists and semifinalists do as well, contrary to what he said.
The finalists and the champions are the only players who pocketed less prize money in 2026 than they would have in 2021.
Querrey believes players deserve a better share of the revenue.
“We obviously don’t know what TV rights are like, but that stadium holds 20,000 people,” he said.
- Fact – Indian Wells Tennis Garden holds 16,100 people
“If you do 20,000 x $250 a ticket, that is $5 million.
“Every time Sinner played, it was basically sold out. That’s six times. You can argue that Sinner is responsible for $30m in ticket sales for his six performances on court.
“Of course, you can argue there are other players and things that factor in, and then we are not getting into TV rights.
“In comparison to golf, Cam Young won the TPC Sawgrass event yesterday, not a major, and got $4.5m.
“I get it’s on NBC, and the numbers are bigger, but not four times bigger than tennis!
Querrey believes the winners should earn more, and he might well have a point.
But will he be satisfied with the prize money on offer at the Miami Open?
How much money could Jannik Sinner earn at the Miami Open?
The prize money at the Miami Open is the same as it was in California.
If Sinner wins the title, he will pocket $1,151,380.
But is he the favorite?
Who do you think will win the Miami Open this year?
Vote now!
Yes and no.
He’s certainly one of the favorites, but it would be dangerous to count out the world number one, Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz is a former champion in Miami, even if he did suffer an early exit 12 months ago.
- 2025 Miami Open – Carlos Alcaraz lost in 2R to David Goffin
Sinner missed last year’s event due to suspension but won the title in 2024.
There are several other players who deserve a mention, too.
Alexander Zverev and Medvedev both impressed at Indian Wells and are always dangerous on hard courts.
And American star Taylor Fritz has made another steady start to an ATP Tour campaign, but will be keen to pick up his first title of the year as soon as possible.
Finally, it would be rude not to mention the defending champion, Jakub Mensik.
He’s certainly not returning as a favorite to retain his title, but the Czech youngster can beat anyone on his day, and shouldn’t be discounted.
Only time will tell who will emerge victorious in Florida, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
The 2026 Miami Open main draw begins on Wednesday, March 18.
