Jannik Sinner reminded tennis fans of his superstar talent on Sunday, defeating Daniil Medvedev to win his first Indian Wells title.
There was little to separate Sinner and Medvedev throughout the contest. However, it was Sinner who emerged victorious, defeating the Russian 7-6, 7-6.
Sinner impressed throughout, particularly in the second set tiebreak – falling 0-4 behind before winning seven consecutive points to win the title.
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Tim Henman, the former British number one, was left particularly impressed by one element of Sinner’s game.
Tim Henman says Jannik Sinner’s serve has become ‘such a big weapon’
Henman, who reached multiple Wimbledon semi-finals during his playing career, has reflected on the serve of 2025 Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner.
“When I reflect on Sinner’s serve, it has just become such a big weapon,” Henman said during Sky Sports live coverage on Sunday.
“He changed the footwork and he is now really hitting his spots.
“When you think about how well Daniil Medvedev is able to get the ball back in play, neutralise and then work his magic from the back of the court, Sinner has just completely dominated on serve.
“It gives you such a good platform to be aggressive.”
Sinner served superbly against Medvedev, hitting 10 aces and winning 91 per cent of his first-serve attempts.
Jannik Sinner’s projected ATP schedule…
- Miami Masters
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- Madrid Masters
- Rome Masters
- French Open
He also won 65 per cent of his second-serve points and offered Medvedev zero break-point opportunities.
Henman is correct in his analysis: Sinner has one of the best groundstroke games on the Tour, yet it is the serve that has stood out in recent matches.
The shot has become powerful and efficient since his struggles in the 2025 US Open final, and he now owns one of the best serves on the ATP Tour.
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Tim Henman’s record in Indian Wells
Henman competed in the Indian Wells Masters on 10 occasions during his playing career, reaching the final twice.
In the 2002 final, Henman was defeated by Lleyton Hewitt, 6-1, 6-2.
Two years later, Henman reached the final again. Again he lost, this time to Roger Federer.
After losing the 2004 final, Henman said: “He [Federer] certainly proved why he’s the best player in the world right now.
“It’s one of those occasions where I didn’t perhaps play my best, but I certainly wasn’t allowed to.
“I think the first couple of service games, his service games, were the only ones where I had half a chance. It’s just those types of opportunities that you really have to capitalize on.
“Ended up he just needed one chance on my serve, and he took it. That really — that really sort of dictated the rest of the match.”
