Jannik Sinner defeated Alexander Zverev in straight sets to reach the Miami Open final and become one win away from completing tennis’s “Sunshine Double” since Roger Federer in 2017.
The world No. 2 defeated the world No. 4 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) and will face Jiri Rehechka in Sunday’s headline match after the 21st-seeded Czech beat 28th-seeded Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-2 in 75 minutes to reach his first Masters 1000 final.
Sinner, who has a record 32-set winning streak at the Masters 1000 level, is looking to win his second Miami Open title in three years with a win at Indian Wells on March 15.
Sinner won 32 consecutive sets at ATP Masters 1000 level
The 24-year-old was unable to defend his trophy at the 2025 Florida Games as the tournament was canceled during a three-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance.
Against Zverev on Friday, Sinner led 4-3 in the second set, making 15 aces and avoiding break points to give the German his seventh straight victory.
“My main goal was to come here and play good tennis,” Sinner, who also defeated Zverev in the Indian Wells semifinals earlier this month, said after the match.
“It means a lot to me to be here again in the finals. It was an incredible swing and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I’m very happy.”
Zverev has lost his last seven matches against Sinner, including the semi-final in Indian Wells earlier this month.
Who won the Czech Republic two years in a row in Miami?
Sinner will be the overwhelming favorite to face Rehekka, who beat her in their last encounter at the 2025 French Open and boasts a 3-0 record.
But Rehekka, who would move to a career-high No. 12 in the rankings if he wins the title, could draw inspiration from the way he crushed Phils and the fact that he has yet to drop serve in the tournament.
They may also keep an eye on last year’s Miami Open final, where fellow Czech Jakub Mencik defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
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Highlights of Jiri Rehekka defeating Arthur Fils to reach his first Masters 1000 final
“Today was a great match. It definitely gave me a lot of confidence heading into Sunday’s final. I have to say it was one of the best matches I’ve played in my life,” Rehekka said after eliminating Fils.
“I really believed in my game and the effort I put in. It didn’t matter when, but I knew it was coming. Today was a good example of how I want to play.”
Sinner becomes the eighth player to complete the “Sunshine Double” by winning Indian Wells and Miami in the same season, following Federer (three times), Djokovic (four times), Andre Agassi, Marcelo Rios, Pete Sampras, Michael Chang and Jim Courier.
This feat has been achieved four times in women’s tennis, most recently by Iga Swiatek in 2022.
Arina Sabalenka will take on Coco Gauff in this year’s women’s final, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 7pm on Saturday.
The Miami Open runs through March 29th. Watch the ATP Tour and WTA Tour live on Sky Sports. Stream now with no contract.
