• Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Sinner beats defending champion Medvedev to reach Miami Open final

Sinner beats defending champion Medvedev to reach Miami Open final

London, 30 March 2024 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) - Jannik Sinner produced a stunning performance to demolish defending champion Daniil Medvedev and reach the Miami Open final.

It was a rematch of the Australian Open final, which Medvedev led by two sets to love before Sinner stormed back to claim his first grand slam title.

This was nothing like as close, though, with Sinner storming to a 6-1 6-2 victory in just 69 minutes to reverse the result of last year's final.

The Italian lost his only match of the season so far to Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals in Indian Wells two weeks ago but has been dominant once more in Florida.

Serena Williams was among the crowd, and some fans at Hard Rock Stadium jeered Medvedev late in the second set after two wild errors, with the Russian completely outplayed by his opponent.

Sinner, who can overtake Alcaraz as world number two by winning the title, said on Sky Sports: "I felt great on court today. I served very well, especially in important moments.

"I handled the situation well in the beginning of each set. He had some break chances, if he makes them, it's already much different. I'm very happy. I think Daniil didn't play his best today, he missed some shots which he usually doesn't miss, but I took the chance and I'm very happy to be in the final."

Sinner will meet Grigor Dimitrov in the final after the Bulgarian defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4 6-7 (4) 6-4.

After losing the second set, Dimitrov managed to wrestle momentum back from the German, coming from a break down to clinch the result in two hours and 37 minutes.

The victory ensures the 32-year-old will move back into the top 10 for the first time since 2018.

Photo: EPA