Miami
Jannik Sinner produced a dominant display to defeat Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-4 in a rain-disrupted final at the Miami Open, clinching the coveted ‘Sunshine Double’ without dropping a single set.
The Italian world number two showcased remarkable consistency and composure, winning an impressive 92 per cent of his first-serve points while saving all three break points he faced. The victory also extended his unbeaten run in ATP Masters 1000 matches without losing a set to 17.
The final at Hard Rock Stadium was repeatedly interrupted by rain, with play delayed for nearly 90 minutes on two occasions. Despite the disruptions, Sinner maintained his rhythm, even keeping himself engaged during breaks by casually juggling a football with his team.
Sinner made an early statement by breaking Lehecka for a 3-1 lead in the opening set and then relying on his powerful serve to close it out comfortably. The second set proved more competitive, with Lehecka, ranked 22nd in the world and playing his first Masters 1000 final, showing resilience by saving multiple break points and briefly taking a 4-3 lead.
However, Sinner’s relentless pressure eventually paid off. He converted his sixth break-point opportunity of the set to edge ahead 5-4 before sealing the match with a composed forehand volley on championship point.
“This is something I never imagined,” Sinner said after the match. “It’s incredibly difficult to achieve, and I’m just really happy with the work we’ve put in.”
With the win, Sinner becomes the first player since Roger Federer in 2017 to win back-to-back titles at Indian Wells and Miami, a feat famously known as the ‘Sunshine Double’. He now joins an elite group that includes Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras.
The triumph further cements Sinner’s status as one of the sport’s brightest stars and a leading force on the ATP Tour.