Nikoloz Basilashvili defeated Taylor Fritz 7–6, 6–3 in the semi-final of the ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells on hard court on 16 October 2021, upsetting the pre-match favourite. Fritz entered as the odds-on favourite at 1.59, but Basilashvili's composed performance—particularly in a tight opening set decided by a tiebreak—proved decisive. The Georgian converted the momentum from the first-set victory into a commanding second set, breaking serve and maintaining control to reach the final. The result marked a significant upset and advanced Basilashvili into the championship match at one of the season's most prestigious events.