The Russian, 6th in the world, traditionally does not succeed in the Californian desert. Except maybe this year and this, despite the courts too slow for his taste and two injuries collected on the way in less than 24 hours.

It must be said that his form is sparkling, since he remains on three titles out of three tournaments won in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai. That's 18 consecutive wins. A series started against the same Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich in the Netherlands in February and continued with this success Wednesday without trembling 6-3, 7-5.

As for its ability to resist pain, it is obvious. However, 24 hours ago, there was doubt about his participation in this quarter-final, after his 3h17 of winning efforts, against the German Alexander Zverev.

But his right ankle, which had suddenly bent inwards and then immediately outwards, recovered sufficiently, because against the Spaniard his runs and supports betrayed no restraint or discomfort.

"Still, she hurt me in the warm-up. I wasn't moving well, but the painkillers helped me I guess and then it got better as the match went on," the 2021 US Open winner said afterwards.

Tiafoe impresses

After a lone jumper in the first set, the proceedings rebalanced, Davidovich holding up better in the exchanges, despite a disruptive wind.

Then a breath of worry roared through the stadium, when Medvedev found himself on the ground after slipping, rushing towards a Davidovich cushion. It was not his ankle that suffered, but his right thumb, cut at the level of the nail, after his right hand accompanied his fall.

The cut brought out the flesh, "it was a little meat" raw, he described. "It wasn't nice to see. But it wasn't too bad."

Russia's Daniil Medvedev gets his thumb treated during his match against Spain's Alejandro Davidovich, on March 15, 2023 in Indian Wells © Frederic J. BROWN / AFP

A bobo without consequence indeed, because, after the installation of plasters, Medvedev resumed his inexorable march forward, to finish in 1h46.

More serene than he has been since the beginning of the tournament, without even having to complain this time about the slowness of the court, Medvedev confirms his status as favorite, shared with the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.

However, he will have to be wary of Frances Tiafoe (16th), authoritative winner 6-4, 6-4 of Cameron Norrie (12th) winner of the event in 2021 and who was also in form, after his title pocketed in Rio De Janeiro.

The 25-year-old American, who reached this stage of a Masters 1000 for the first time, dominated in all sectors, even on the fly (12/15 successful), one of the Briton's specialties.

"A different player"

"I'm really happy. I feel like when I'm mentally well, I'm one of the best players in the world," Tiafoe said beamingly.

In search of a second title, after the one won at Delray Beach in 2018, the American is currently making a perfect run since he has not lost a set in four matches.

On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka, on a cloud since her coronation at the Australian Open, made only one bite (6-4, 6-0) of Coco Gauff, who had won three of their four previous meetings.

Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka during her match against American Coco Gauff on March 15, 2023 in Indian Wells © Frederic J. BROWN / AFP

Since her coronation in Melbourne, great confidence lives in the Belarusian, 2nd in the world, who has lost only one match out of 17 played in 2023.

"Trust is a word I don't like too much. I would rather say that I believe more in myself," she commented.

"I feel like I'm a different player this year," she added. "I'm calmer on the court, able to control my emotions better, which helps me stay in the match no matter what, without losing my head or giving easy points to the opponent."

Sabalenka, who reached the last four of the tournament for the first time, is obviously aiming for better. But she will first have to dismiss the Greek Maria Sakkari (7th), finalist last year, who again showed combativeness to overthrow 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 the Czech Petra Kvitova (15th).

© 2023 AFP