Indian Wells 2026 – R32 Results & Analysis | Third Round Recap By TennisSignals / March 8, 2026
The BNP Paribas Open 2026 third round is complete. Here is the full recap.
Sinner Dispatches Shapovalov — Sinner def. Shapovalov 6-3, 6-2
The match of the round delivered a dominant performance from the world number one. Jannik Sinner was clinical against in-form Denis Shapovalov, winning in straight sets without ever looking threatened. The Canadian’s dream run ends here — but what a tournament he had.
Đoković Survives Kovacevic — Đoković def. Kovacevic 6-4, 1-6, 6-4
The fairy tale almost continued. Alex Kovacevic took the second set and pushed the five-time champion hard, but Đoković found his best tennis in the third to advance. The qualifier leaves Indian Wells with his head held high — eliminating Hurkacz and Moutet before pushing Đoković to three sets.
Alcaraz Survives Scare — Alcaraz def. Rinderknech 6-7, 6-3, 6-2
The defending champion dropped the first set against Arthur Rinderknech but regrouped impressively to win in three. A reminder that even at 12-0 in 2026, Alcaraz is not untouchable.
Medvedev Dominant — Medvedev def. Baez 6-4, 6-0
No clash of styles in the end — Medvedev was ruthless, winning the second set to love. The Russian looks sharp and dangerous heading into the fourth round.
Tien Stuns Shelton — Tien def. Shelton 7-6, 4-6, 6-3
The upset of the round. Learner Tien eliminated eighth seed Ben Shelton in three sets on home soil. The young American continues his breakthrough tournament and is now one of the most dangerous players left in the draw.
Hijikata Shocks Bublik — Hijikata def. Bublik 6-7, 7-6, 6-3
Another major upset — Ryan Hijikata eliminated Alexander Bublik in three sets. The Australian qualifier has been one of the stories of the tournament and keeps on delivering.
Davidovich Fokina Through — Davidovich Fokina def. Mensik 6-2, 4-6, 6-2
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina eliminated 12th seed Jakub Mensik in three sets. The Spaniard has been quietly impressive and is now into the fourth round.
Fritz Survives — Fritz def. Michelsen 6-4, 7-6
Taylor Fritz came through a tight match against compatriot Alex Michelsen to advance to the fourth round. The 2022 champion is quietly building momentum.
Complete R32 Results:
- ✅ Sinner def. Shapovalov 6-3, 6-2
- ✅ Davidovich Fokina def. Mensik 6-2, 4-6, 6-2
- ✅ Tien def. Shelton 7-6, 4-6, 6-3
- ✅ Zverev def. Nakashima 7-6, 5-7, 6-4
- ✅ Fils def. Fucsovics 6-3, 7-5
- ✅ Tiafoe def. Cobolli 6-1, 6-2
- ✅ Auger-Aliassime def. Diallo 7-6, 3-6, 6-3
- ✅ Paul def. Fonseca 6-2, 6-3
- ✅ De Minaur def. Norrie 6-4, 6-4
- ✅ Đoković def. Kovacevic 6-4, 1-6, 6-4
- ✅ Hijikata def. Bublik 6-7, 7-6, 6-3
- ✅ Draper def. Cerundolo 6-1, 7-5
- ✅ Ruud def. Vacherot 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
- ✅ Alcaraz def. Rinderknech 6-7, 6-3, 6-2
- ✅ Medvedev def. Baez 6-4, 6-0
- ✅ Fritz def. Michelsen 6-4, 7-6
Looking Ahead
The fourth round begins March 10 with eight matches. Standout fixtures include Sinner vs Fonseca, Alcaraz vs Ruud and Đoković vs Draper. Stay tuned to TennisSignals for full coverage.
For the full draw and round-by-round updates, visit our Indian Wells 2026 Hub.
For the complete 2026 ATP season schedule, visit our ATP Tennis Calendar 2026.