Third Time Lucky for Sinner, the 2024 Miami Open Men’s Singles winner

by Daniel Perisse

The third time is the charm for Jannik Sinner. After finishing runner up at the Miami Open in 2021 and 2023, the Italian won the 2024 Men’s Singles title by beating Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 6-1 this Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium.

This is the third title for the World No. 3 this year, after the Australian Open and Rotterdam. He is 22-1 this season and is the first Italian to win the Miami Open. Next week, he will climb one position in the ranking, up to No. 2.

“Grigor it’s nice to see you at this level. Such a pleasure to not only play with you but to talk and learn with you. It’s so nice. I am so grateful, and this is such a special place. The atmosphere, this is the most special tournament for me, hope to see you all again next year,” he commented in the trophy ceremony.

Three years ago, Sinner could barely sleep in the day before the Miami Open final and had no chance against an in-form Hubert Hurkacz. In 2023, he ended up losing to Daniil Medvedev, who he faced with certain ease in the semifinal this season. Now, he was able to finally celebrate in the Magic City.

“It was a great performance for me, especially in the semifinal and final, which for me is more important. Being number two is an amazing feeling, Sport is one thing, and life is very different, I am happy to be in this position, just enjoying every moment. These are special days, winning a tournament, doesn’t matter what kind of tournament, it means a lot to me,” said the Italian.

The 22-year-old converted two break points in the first set, in the fifth and ninth games, to close in 42 minutes.

In the second set, Sinner also had two breaks, in the fourth and sixth games, and served for the match at 5-1, clinching his win in 1 hour and 13 minutes. He won 88% of first-serve points (21 of 24).

“It’s Jannik’s week. He’s been playing amazing tennis. It’s impressive how he’s been able to keep that way of playing. I think now Jannik is playing, I mean, outstanding tennis. There is nothing to say about that. You see how focused he is, how determined he is, the way he’s hitting his shots, there is zero doubt, so a lot of that level, it’s extremely high up”, affirmed Dimitrov.

The 32-year-old and No. 11 seed was attempting to capture his second Masters 1000 title, after Cincinnati in 2017. During his run to the final here, he defeated world No. 9 Hurkacz in the fourth round, No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the quarters, and No. 5 Alexander Zverev in the semifinal.

“I just want to focus on the positives this week. It’s been a tournament I have not been able to do well I think in the past years. In a way, it was also a goal of mine to come out here and give my best shot,” commented the Bulgarian, who will rise back to the Top 10 this upcoming week.

As for the remainder of the season, Sinner still thinks there is a lot of improvement to be done.

“The clay season is coming, usually, I struggle there, let’s see what I can do this year. Rome for me is an important tournament because playing in front of your home crowd is always amazing. I am very relaxed. I have the feeling that I have learned many things from last year, what I can do better physically and mentally, I am in a different shape. So, let’s see how it goes,” exclaimed the new Miami Open champion.