Alcaraz, Sinner continue on collision course for rematch at Miami Open
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner were both ruthless in round four of the Miami Open on Tuesday. They could face each other in the semi-finals.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Indian Wells 2023 | © Antoine Couvercelle / Panoramic
Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner is shaping up to be the next great rivalry on the ATP Tour. Only time will tell, of course, but early — very early — indications are that things could develop that way.
Alcaraz and Sinner have already faced each other six times (five on the main tour), with Alcaraz leading the head-to-head series 4-2 (3-2 main tour). They just squared off at the BNP Paribas Open (Alcaraz prevailed 7-6(4), 6-3 in the semi-finals and they remain on course to collide again at the same stage of the Miami Open.
Both Alcaraz and Sinner won their respective fourth-round matches in straight sets on Tuesday afternoon, putting them one round away from another semi-final showdown. The Spaniard took care of a red-hot Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-4, while Sinner overpowered Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4.
Alcaraz too much for Paul in fourth round
Tommy Paul is playing the best tennis of his career right now, highlighted by a semi-final run at the Australian Open. However, not even the in-form American could provide a lot of resistance against Alcaraz. The 19-year-old prevailed 6-4, 6-4 in one hour and 37 minutes to set up a quarter-final encounter with Taylor Fritz.
“I played a really great match and I hope to play the same level in the quarter-final,” Alcaraz assured. “I moved well and defended well and I counter-attacked. I think if I play at that same level I will have a lot of chances to get through (to the semis).” It will be against Taylor Fritz.
The No 1 seed is looking to defend his 2022 Miami title, which would allow him to remain No 1 in the world ahead of Novak Djokovic. You have to like his chances to do so given the way he played at this tournament last year and the way he is performing there again in 2023.
“I feel at home here,” Alcaraz said. “It is easy to play here in Miami with all the energy I receive every day,” Alcaraz said. “I am enjoying myself and I think that is the key to playing at such a high level every match. I hope to keep going.”
Sinner sweeps Rublev in easy straight sets
Not including a retirement, Sinner is 11-1 lifetime at the Miami Masters 1000 following his victory over Rublev. That includes a runner-up showing in 2021.
Given how he is playing at the moment, it looks like the 21-year-old could make it back to the final — and perhaps win it this time — even with Alcaraz in his half of the draw. Sinner owns an amazing 19-4 record this season, and yet it can be argued that never has he been better than he was on Tuesday. The Italian rolled in one hour and 12 minutes, striking eight aces without double-faulting a single of facing a single break point.
“We try every day our best and I’m very happy about my performance today,” Sinner said. “Playing against Andrey is never easy, he serves very well and he plays very aggressive so I had to change a little bit today. My level was great, I felt good on court; hopefully I can keep it up in the next round. I think today I served better. (It was) maybe my best match in Miami, so I’m happy about that.”
Sinner faces Emil Ruusuvuori in the last eight.
