Jannik Sinner follows in Roger Federer's footsteps to win Miami Open and complete 'Sunshine Double'
March 30, 2026
GB News
Jannik Sinner claimed a historic Miami Open title on Sunday, defeating Jiri Lehecka in straight sets to become the first player since Roger Federer nine years ago to secure the prestigious 'Sunshine Double'.The 24-year-old Italian's triumph marks an extraordinary achievement in tennis history, as he captured both the Indian Wells and Miami crowns in the same season without conceding a single set throughout either tournament.His victory extends a remarkable run of 34 consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1000 level, whilst improving his 2026 season record to an impressive 19 wins against just two defeats.Sinner's dominance was evident from the outset, with the world number two converting 92 per cent of his first-serve points whilst saving all three break points he encountered during the final.
TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The Czech opponent dropped his serve for the first time in the entire tournament to fall behind 3-1 in the opening set, and despite saving two set points at 5-3 down, Sinner closed out the opener in 47 minutes.An 80-minute rain delay interrupted proceedings just three points into the second set, yet the Italian remained unfazed upon resumption.He faced no break points whatsoever in the second set, completing his victory in 93 minutes total.We did a lot of work to be in this position, so I'm really, really happy, and I'm also happy to go back home now, Sinner said following his triumph.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Golf star breaks down in tears and hugs wife after winning first tournament since life-or-death surgeryTottenham have become the most embarrassing club in England as Igor Tudor leaves jobLewis Hamilton moans about 'no voting rights' after difficult day at Japanese Grand PrixThe Italian expressed disbelief at his accomplishment, stating: Making the Sunshine Double here for the first time, it's incredible.It's something I would have never thought, because it's difficult to achieve, and we made it somehow, so I'm very happy.Reflecting on the challenging conditions during the final, Sinner added: I tried to stay solid in very different conditions today, it was very heavy so it's tough to go through the player.I tried to stay solid in important moments and I'm very happy to take this [trophy] home with me.Sinner's achievement places him among an elite group of just eight men to have captured both Indian Wells and Miami titles consecutively, joining illustrious names including Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Marcelo Rios, Michael Chang and Jim Courier.The victory represents his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title overall, having secured his maiden Indian Wells crown the previous week with a win over Daniil Medvedev.Despite his dominant form across the American hard-court swing, the Italian still trails world number one Carlos Alcaraz by 1,190 points in the ATP Live Rankings. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
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