Sinner excited for “new opportunity” in Miami
Jannik Sinner is not dwelling on his loss to Carlos Alcaraz last week, as he returns to Miami and pursues a third final at the event
Sinner 2024 Antoine Couvercelle / Panoramic
Jannik Sinner is ready to begin another winning streak this week in Miami. The tournament’s No 2 seed lost in the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters last week, bringing an end to his 19-match winning streak this year.
The Italian isn’t dwelling on the loss, however, and looks forward to the opportunity to get more wins on the board at the Miami Open, where he’s made the final two of the past three years.
“Happy to be back here,” said Sinner on Wednesday ahead of his opening match in Miami. “Obviously a great place to play tennis. Hopefully I can show some good tennis. New week, new opportunities. Let’s see what comes.
“Every tournament you go to is a new opportunity. And here is a new opportunity again to show some good tennis.”
To begin the 2024 season, Sinner won the Australian Open and Rotterdam Open, climbing to No 3 in the world and making it as far as the semi-finals in Indian Wells. However, a repeat of last year’s semi-final saw an inspired Carlos Alcaraz defeat Sinner 1-6, 6-3, 6-2.
“I was not even thinking about the wins and losses throughout the year. I knew the point was going to come,” Sinner said of his loss to Alcaraz. “I’m happy that it came at quite a late stage of a tournament, that means a lot to me. A semi-final at a Masters 1000 event is still a great result.”
Sinner believes that heading into Miami this year, he’s grown his game even more. Ominous signs, given the Italian’s performance here over the last three editions.
“Regardless of the results, I’ve grown as a player, as a person. When I [first] came here, I was around 19. You grow, it’s normal because you have new experiences. I am fortunate that I could play now on basically every big stage throughout the whole year.
“Experience wise and everything I’ve grown, but as a person, I’m still the same. It’s not going to change through results. I’m just happy to be here and hopefully I can show some good tennis, which is what I’m looking for this week and we’ll see.”
The world No 3 will open his campaign in Miami against fellow Italian Andrea Vavassori, who won his first round match against Pedro Cachin in straight sets.
