Jannik Sinner defeated Alex Mikkelsen at the Miami Open, extending his historic record for consecutive sets won in a Masters 1000 tournament to 28 and advancing to the quarterfinals.
The second seed defeated his American opponent 7-5, 7-6 and is set to face the winner of Francis Tiafoe and Terence Atmane in the last eight.
The Italian won 90 percent of the first serve points in the match while making 15 aces.
“I felt like my serve was really helpful today, especially in important situations,” he told Sky Sports after the match.
“He’s not at his best at the back of the court, so we’ll try to improve, but I’m happy that we were able to fight through this match. It was a very tough match and he played some great tennis. I’m happy with the way he handled the situation, especially in the second set.”
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Watch the incredible moment Jannik Sinner hits Alex Mikkelsen from close range during the Miami Open match.
Sinner has won nine consecutive matches since losing to Jakub Mensik in Doha and is preparing for his first French Open title as the clay court season approaches.
The 24-year-old is aiming for his first Grand Slam title this season after losing to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
“I’m someone who doesn’t get overjoyed when we win a game, but when we lose a game I throw it under the bus. That’s not fair,” he said. “I’m trying to understand my game better and this also comes from playing.
“Having been at a high level of tennis for the last few years, I know the path I need to take back and what I need to do. I’m trying to improve and today was good feedback. I know I need to improve some things if I want to go far in this tournament.”
“At the same time, I’m going to play another quarter and see how it goes before the clay court.”
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Highlights of the Indian Wells final between Jannik Sinner vs. Daniil Medvedev
Meanwhile, local favorite Tommy Paul defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry (Argentina) in straight sets to advance to the quarter-finals for the first time in his career.
The 28-year-old American needed an hour and 14 minutes to defeat his 29th-seeded opponent 6-1, 6-3 in pursuit of his first Masters 1000 title.
Paul, a former top 10 player, will face 28th seeded Frenchman Arthur Fils for a place in the final four.
Muchoba defeats Mboko
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Miami Open quarterfinals, highlights of Victoria Mboko vs. Karolina Muchova
Karolina Muchova fought off stiff competition from rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko to win 7-5, 7-6 (5) and advance to the semi-finals of the Miami Open.
Muchova was trailing 0-30 at 5-4, but she won four consecutive points to regain possession and make it 5-5, paving the way to take the first set.
World No. 9 Mboko then took the Czech Republic to a tiebreaker, but was unable to take the match to a deciding set.
“It was a very close match and basically we were down by one point at the end. Things can change all the time in tennis, so I’m really grateful that I was able to win that last point,” Muchova said.
“She’s a great player. Every time you play against a top-10 player, you step on the court and you never know who’s going to win and who’s going to lose,” she added. “I tried to stay focused and stay aggressive.”
Muchova will face either Coco Gauff or Belinda Bencic on Thursday for a spot in the final.
The Miami Open runs through March 29th. Watch the ATP Tour and WTA Tour live on Sky Sports. Stream now with no contract.
