Jannik Sinner is one win away from changing into the primary man since Roger Federer in 2017 to finish tennis’ ‘Sunshine Double’ after a straight-sets victory over Alexander Zverev took the Italian into the Miami Open last.
The world No 2 beat the world No 4 6-3 7-6 (7-4) and can face Jiri Lehecka in Sunday’s showpiece after the Czech twenty first seed thumped twenty eighth seed Arthur Fils 6-2 6-2 in 75 minutes to achieve his maiden Masters 1000 last.
Sinner – who has now received a document 32 units in a row at Masters 1000 stage – triumphed at Indian Wells on March 15 and is eyeing a second Miami Open title in three years.
Sinner has now received 32 consecutive units at ATP Masters 1000 stage
The 24-year-old was unable to defend the trophy in Florida in 2025 because the event fell throughout his three-month ban after testing optimistic for a banned substance
In opposition to Zverev on Friday, Sinner served 15 aces and staved off a break level whereas 4-3 down within the second set as he beat the German for a seventh straight time.
Sinner, who additionally defeated Zverev within the Indian Wells semi-finals earlier this month, stated afterwards: “Coming right here and attempting to provide some good tennis was my predominant aim.
“Standing here again in the final means very much to me. It has been an incredible swing and I couldn’t be better. I’m very happy.”
Zverev has now misplaced his final seven matches in opposition to Sinner, together with within the semi-finals at Indian Wells earlier this month
A second successive Czech winner in Miami?
Sinner will likely be overwhelming favorite in opposition to Lehecka, a participant he owns a 3-0 document in opposition to after defeating him of their earlier assembly on the 2025 French Open.
Nevertheless, Lehecka – who would rise to a career-high No 12 within the rankings if he wins the title – can take inspiration from the way in which he demolished Fils and the actual fact he’s but to drop serve within the event.
He can also look to final yr’s Miami Open last when his fellow Czech Jakub Mensik upset Novak Djokovic in straight units.
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Highlights as Jiri Lehecka dismantled Arthur Fils to achieve his maiden Masters 1000 last
Lehecka stated after routing Fils: “Today was a great match. Definitely brought me a lot of confidence going into the Sunday final. I must say that it was one of the better matches that I played in my life.’
“I actually trusted my recreation and the work I put in. It did not matter when however I knew it will come and at the moment was a pleasant instance of how I need to play.”
Sinner would turn into the eighth man to realize the ‘Sunshine Double’ of successful Indian Wells and Miami in the identical season, after Federer (3 times), Djokovic (4 instances), Andre Agassi, Marcelo Rios, Pete Sampras, Michael Chang and Jim Courier.
The feat has been accomplished 4 instances in ladies’s tennis, most not too long ago by Iga Swiatek in 2022.
Aryna Sabalenka will play Coco Gauff on this yr’s ladies’s last, dwell on Sky Sports activities from 7pm on Saturday.
Watch the ATP and WTA Excursions dwell on Sky Sports activities, with the Miami Open operating till March 29. Stream contract-free with NOW.
