MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Jannik Sinner missed last year’s Miami Open, facing a three-month suspension due to a positive test for a prohibited substance.
Now, at just 24, the Italian star is poised to claim his second Miami Open title in three years, aiming to become the first male since Roger Federer in 2017 to achieve the coveted “Sunshine Double.”
The world’s second-ranked player, Sinner surged into the Miami Open final with a commanding 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) victory over No. 4 Alexander Zverev at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday night.
“My primary goal was to come here and showcase my best tennis, and being back in the final means so much to me,” Sinner expressed. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Sinner fired off 15 aces, extending his winning streak against Zverev to seven matches and marking an impressive 32 consecutive sets won at an ATP Masters 1000 event. A powerhouse on hard courts, Sinner clinched the first leg of the Sunshine Double on March 15, triumphing over Daniel Medvedev in Indian Wells.
As he heads into the final, Sinner is a significant favorite against 21st-seeded Jiri Lehecka. He boasts an impressive 11-match winning streak in Miami, having previously secured the 2024 Miami Open title but missing the chance to defend it.
Despite the odds, Zverev was a crowd favorite, earning loud cheers for his points won in the second set.
When Zverev had a break point at 4-3 in the second set, the stadium erupted with excitement. Unfortunately for him, he faltered, sending a backhand into the net, allowing Sinner to pull through. In the tiebreak, Sinner lost the first point but quickly bounced back with two aces to take control, eventually closing out the match after Zverev’s return sailed long.
Sinner’s first set break came at 2-1 when, following an extended rally, he charged the net and delivered an overhead winner for break point, showcasing an exquisite forehand down the line to lead 3-1.
With a perfect 3-0 record against Lehecka, Sinner last defeated him at the 2025 French Open.
Lehecka reached the biggest final of his budding career by dominating 28th seed Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-2 in the earlier semifinal. His fellow Czech, Jakub Mensik, took home the Miami Open last year.
This marks Lehecka’s first appearance in an ATP Masters 1000 final.
“Today was a fantastic match,” Lehecka stated. “It gave me a lot of confidence heading into the Sunday final. I must admit, it was one of the best matches I’ve played in my career,”
The 24-year-old quickly broke Fils in the first game, maintaining dominance throughout the match. On match point, Lehecka served an ace and celebrated by raising his arms in triumph. He concluded the match with six aces, no double faults, and did not face a single break point throughout the tournament.
