Miami Open: Jannik Sinner wins, puts pressure on Carlos Alcaraz in world rankings
When Sinner lost to his Spanish opponent in the U.S. Open final in September, he spoke candidly about the need to bring more variety and unpredictability to the course.
But since losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals and then Jakub Mencic in Doha, Sinner’s success has been down to an improvement in the reliability of his serve game.
The accuracy of his opening shot set the stage for his victory in Miami.
He blasted 70 aces in six games, the highest score in three sets of his career. He lost serve only once.
Against Lehka, Sinner’s first-server scoring rate was as high as 92%. How he overcame his only moments of real danger highlighted the effectiveness of his serve.
Leading 2-1 in the first set and facing three break points while trailing 0-40, Sinner hit a perfect first serve from five inches that Lehka could barely catch.
It was reminiscent of Roger Federer in his prime, who was able to serve his way out of trouble to relieve pressure and deflate his opponents.
No wonder some claim that Sinner has entered his “service robot” era.
That’s not the only area he’s looking to improve, though.
Sinner has been described as “one of the best hitters of all time” by Miami quarterfinal opponent Frances Tiafoe, but he is still looking to add more aggression with his forehand.
This seems ridiculous given the power and accuracy Sinner already possesses from that flank.
As Sinner looked to seal the opening set against Lehka, he twice delivered the Czech’s first serve with devastating cross-court forehands.
This demonstrates Sinner’s desire to establish himself at the right time and sends a clear message to his rivals.
“The guy has zero weaknesses – that’s why he wins so much,” said 2013 Wimbledon women’s champion Marion Bartoli, speaking to Sky Sports analysis of the final.
