Alexander Zverev Battles Past Nakashima in Thrilling Indian Wells Win

Alexander Zverev celebrates win

Alexander Zverev edges Brandon Nakashima 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-4 to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells. Jannik Sinner takes on Denis Shapovalov in the third-round action, after Sinner's dominant opener.

19-year-old Joao Fonseca takes on Tommy Paul after saving two match points vs Khachanov...

Alexander Zverev edged past Brandon Nakashima 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-4 to reach the fourth round of the Indian Wells ATP Masters. The German fourth seed struggled to break Nakashima, only getting his first break point in the third set. He capitalized on it in the final game, sealing the win.

Zverev praised Nakashima's serve, saying “He has an incredible serve... His placement on serve is probably the best in the world.” The American fired 17 aces to Zverev's 15, making it a tough match for the German.

“He has an incredible serve, and you don't think about that,” Zverev said of Nakashima, who fired 17 aces to the German's 15. “His placement on serve is probably the best in the world.

“What he's lacking in power, he's definitely got in placement. I was not having any chances to break him for the first two and a half sets, and the only chance I kind of had, I used it in the end.

“Definitely happy to get the win because that was a difficult match,” Zverev said.

Hanging tough 💪@AlexZverev moves into Week 2 with a grueling 7-6(2) 5-7 6-4 win over Nakashima.#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/Qd3baQP5XD

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 8, 2026

Zverev Takes Thrilling Win Over Nakashima

Zverev dominated the first-set tiebreaker but Nakashima fought back, converting his fifth break chance for a 6-5 lead and levelling the match with a love game.

The American gave Zverev a scare, but the German held on to win 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-4. Zverev's win improves his record to 5-0 against Nakashima. 

Zverev's next opponent will be either Flavio Cobolli (15) or Frances Tiafoe - a tough matchup either way.

Sinner Takes on Shapovalov

Jannik Sinner, the world number two, takes on Canadian Denis Shapovalov, aiming to keep his Indian Wells title quest on track. Sinner's opener was impressive, dropping just two games against Dalibor Svrcina. 

American Showdown Awaits

Ben Shelton takes on Learner Tien in an all-American clash on Stadium Court. But the night's main event could be Tommy Paul vs 19-year-old Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca - sounds like a wild one.

Fonseca's Big Night

Joao Fonseca saved two match points to beat Karn Khachanov, and now faces Tommy Paul. Paul's had a strong start, crushing Zizou Bergs 6-1, 6-2. Would you like more on Fonseca's rise or Paul's form?