World number two Jannik Sinner celebrated his second ATP Miami Masters 1000 title on Sunday, defeating Jiri Lehecka with a score of 6-4, 6-4. This victory follows his triumph at the Indian Wells, completing the prestigious “Sunshine Double.”
The match faced interruptions due to rain delays, but Sinner showcased impressive skill throughout, becoming the first player since Roger Federer in 2017 to win both the California and Florida tournaments without dropping a set. This achievement marks a significant highlight for Sinner, who previously missed the Miami event last year due to a doping ban.
Expressing his joy, Sinner remarked, “It’s a very, very special moment,” emphasizing the importance of his performance following his success at Indian Wells. His win has positioned him closer to overtaking Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the race for the world number one spot, particularly as the clay court season approaches.
The encounter was initially delayed by rain for over an hour. Sinner kept his composure as he took the first set just before another rain interruption halted play again for 90 minutes. Displaying remarkable serve precision, he registered ten aces and won a striking 33 out of 36 points on his first serve.
Sinner’s return game proved crucial, as he managed to break Lehecka for the first time in the tournament, establishing a lead in the opening set. Despite falling behind at one point, he surged back with powerful service winners to rally and take control.
Addressing the conditions, Sinner noted, “I tried to be focused,” citing the heavy balls and the need for precise shots against Lehecka’s aggressive game. A key moment in the match was his cross-court forehand return which set him up for a first set point. Although Lehecka managed to save a couple of break points, Sinner ultimately secured the first set with a decisive hold.
In the second set, Sinner maintained his momentum and capitalized on a lone break to take a 5-4 lead. He showcased his dominance in serving, not facing any break points during this set. With a series of powerful shots, he earned a match point, concluding the match with a clean winner at the net.
For Lehecka, competing in his first Masters 1000 final was a noteworthy experience despite falling short against Sinner. He expressed pride in his comeback after struggling with form leading into the tournament and is set to reach a career-high ranking of 14th in the world. During the trophy ceremony, he acknowledged the improvement in his play, highlighting the significance of his journey throughout the event.