When Jannik Sinner plays Jannik Sinner in Miami finals: history with Lehecka
After beating Alexander Zverev again in the semifinals, Jannik Sinner has also advanced to the final at the Miami Masters 1000. The world and seeded number two, fresh champion of the Indian Wells Masters 1000, in the last act of the Miami Open will face Jiri Lehecka, number 21 in the seeding and 22 in the ATP rankings, who beat Arthur Fils decisively in the other semifinal.
The match between the Azzurro and the Czech is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, at 9 p.m. Italian time (3 p.m. local time) on the concrete center court (Stadium) of the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The weather forecast, however, is not encouraging: heavy rain expected could postpone the match by a few hours. On the same court, before Jannik, Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini will also go in the hunt for the title, opposing Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend.
There are three previous matches between Sinner and Lehecka. The South Tyrolean champion leads 3-0: the most recent dates back to the third round of the last edition of Roland Garros when Jannik overwhelmed the Czech conceding just three games (6-0 6-1 6-2 the final score). The Azzurro has beaten Lehecka on two other occasions, always in two sets: in the quarterfinals of the Beijing 2024 ATP 500 and in the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells 2024 Masters 1000.
“I have a very challenging match ahead of me on Sunday,” Sinner said in a press conference after his semifinal success against Zverev. “While analyzing the matches played, I have to think right away about who I will find on the other side of the net: Lehecka is playing extraordinary tennis here in Miami and will come to the court with nothing to lose. My situation is different, but the approach does not change: I will give everything I have. Hopefully, we can have a great final.”
“The weather forecast is not encouraging,” added the outfielder from Sesto Pusteria, “I hope the weather will be dry and that we can play in the best conditions. Whatever happens, however, I consider these two tournaments exceptional, as far as my path is concerned: to have reached the final in both is already a very important achievement for me.”
