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Sinner makes history with flawless 'Sunshine Double'
Jannik Sinner became the first man since Roger Federer in 2017 to win both Indian Wells and the Miami Open in the same season-and the first ever to do so without losing a set. The 24-year-old Italian defeated Czech 21st seed Jiri Lehecka 6-4 6-4 in a rain-delayed Miami final, extending his dominance in Masters events.
Dominance in numbers
Sinner has now won 34 consecutive sets at ATP Masters tournaments, joining Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as the only players to claim three straight titles in this tier. His victory in Miami narrowed the gap to world number one Carlos Alcaraz to 1,190 points as the tour shifts to the European clay season.
"It's been an incredible swing for me," Sinner said. "I'm extremely happy with the work we've done to reach this point. The level we're producing is what we've been striving for."
A serve to rival Federer
Sinner's serve was the cornerstone of his Miami triumph. He hit 70 aces across six matches-the most in any three-set tournament of his career-and dropped just one service game. Against Lehecka, he saved three break points at 2-1 in the first set with five unreturnable first serves, a sequence reminiscent of Federer at his peak.
"The guy has zero weakness," said 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, analyzing the final for Sky Sports. "That's why he's winning so much."
Still room to grow
Despite being hailed as "one of the best ball strikers ever" by quarterfinal opponent Frances Tiafoe, Sinner is focused on sharpening his forehand aggression. In the final, he twice ended points with crushing cross-court forehands off Lehecka's serve, signaling his intent to dictate play even further.
After losing to Alcaraz in the 2023 US Open final, Sinner admitted needing more variety in his game. Since then, his serve has become a weapon, but he's not stopping there. "I'm still trying to improve," he said.
Alcaraz's response
While Sinner celebrates, Alcaraz is already back on the practice court in Murcia, preparing for the clay season. The 22-year-old Spaniard, ousted in Miami's third round, will aim to defend his French Open title-where he edged Sinner in an epic 2023 semifinal.
Sinner, who missed last year's clay swing due to a doping suspension, has no points to defend until the Italian Open in May. With two Masters events (Monte Carlo and Madrid) ahead, he could close the gap further before Roland Garros.
"This two-horse race could be neck and neck by Paris," analysts note. "It's anyone's guess who'll lead when the clay season ends."
