Jannik Sinner’s triumphant start to 2024 shows no signs of stopping soon after the Italian cruised to the Miami Open title with a straight-sets victory on Sunday.
Sinner, who has twice been runner-up at the event, beat a resurgent Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 6-1, to claim his third title of the year. Becoming the first player on the ATP Tour to do so. The world No.3 faced some stern resistance early on from the tricky Bulgarian, who defeated a trio of top 10 players en route to the final, before storming to victory in just over 70 minutes.
The triumph is Sinner’s 25th win of the season with his only loss being to Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals at Indian Wells. In the Miami final, he got the better of a spirited Dimitrov with the help of 15 winners and won 88% of his first service points. Not only has the 22-year-old become the first player from his country to win the tournament, but he has also become the first to win multiple Masters 1000 titles. His first triumph was in Canada last year.
“I’m really proud of my result,” Sinner said during his on-court interview.
“I started off the week struggling a little bit. I didn’t have a lot of time to adapt to the court, so I knew at the beginning that it was going to be tough.
“As the tournament went on I felt better and better. Today’s performance was really good and I’m proud of how I handled the situation. It was a very good two weeks.”
Taking to the court, the reigning Australian Open champion found himself in a battle with Dimitrov who began the final by winning eight consecutive points behind his serve. However, as the match progressed Sinner gradually wore down his rival. His first attack occurred in the fifth game after he hit a forehand passing shot to break for a 3-2 lead. In pole position, the second seed continued to put pressure on Dimitrov by hitting shots deep towards the baseline. Then at 5-3, a forehand return shot painted the line to reward Sinner with a duo of set points. He converted his second opportunity with another stunning winner but this time it was from his backhand side.
Embed from Getty ImagesGaining momentum, Sinner extended his stronghold early in the second frame by fighting back from a 15-40 deficit to break Dimitrov once again for a 3-1 lead. From that moment onwards it was only a matter of time before he sealed victory. His first championship point came with the help of a Dimitrov backhand into the net before he closed the match out with yet another backhand winner.
The latest achievement of the 22-year-old will move him up the ATP PIF Rankings to second place on Monday which is the highest position an Italian player has ever achieved since the system was introduced in August 1973. Although Sinner still has a way to go before toppling Novak Djokovic from the top of the standings. There are currently 1115 points separating the two players.
Despite his surge in success, Sinner has insisted the most important thing for him is to not take it all for granted.
“I try to improve and also enjoy this moment. This is a special moment. You never know if this is going to be the last time or not. So you have to enjoy this.” He said.
“Now a new chapter is coming and the clay court (swing) is coming. Let’s see how I play but the hardcourt season until now has been really good.”
Meanwhile, Dimitrov can take plenty of positives from his latest run which has secured his return to the world’s top 10 for the first time since 2018. Before falling in the final, he knocked out Alcaraz, Hubert Hurkacz and Alexander Zverev.
“This tournament has been difficult throughout all the years. This year I was so determined to do well that I almost did too well,” Dimitrov commented during the trophy presentation.
“It’s been extremely special to play in front of the fans. I’m just very grateful and thankful. When I look at my box, I feel like a winner. Thank you all. I love you a lot.”
Sinner is the first player to win both the Australian Open and Miami Masters within the same season since Roger Federer did so in 2017.
ATP Top 10 (as of April 1st 2024)
- Novak Djokovic 9725 PTS
- Jannik Sinner 8710 PTS
- Carlos Alcaraz 8645 PTS
- Daniil Medvedev 7165 PTS
- Alexander Zverev 5415 PTS
- Andrey Rublev 4890 PTS
- Holger Rune 3795 PTS
- Casper Ruud 3615 PTS
- Grigor Dimitrov 3540 PTS
- Hubert Hurkacz 3425 PTS
source – TennisTV
