Miami Open 2023: Sinner wins epic clash with Alcaraz to reach second final in three years

Jannik Sinner won another epic battle against Carlos Alcaraz, defeating the world No.1 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2, to reach his second final in three years and his first win against a world No.1.

In the opening set, Sinner broke to force a tiebreak, saving a set point. Alcaraz took the opener from 1-4 15-30, then won the last five points of the tiebreak, extending his set winning streak to 21.

Sinner broke to start the second set and held from 15-40 to consolidate, leading 2-0. After a series of plays and Alcaraz calling the physio for pain in his finger, Sinner saved two break points and held for 4-4.

He later won seven consecutive points, broke to love, and served for the second set. Points won, and the Italian took the second set 6-4, handing Alcaraz his first set loss at the Sunshine Double.

Sinner won 11 of the last 12 points in the set, while Alcaraz had just four winners and three unreturned serves.

Continuing from his brilliant form in the second set, Sinner broke to serve the third, extending his points winning to 15 of the last 17.

Alcaraz, who seems to have developed a cramp at this stage, was slow and heavy losing 14 of the last 16 points. He tried to hold from 0-30 and got the point for 2-3.

With both players looking tired and serving much slower, Sinner had the final gear to push, and serving for the match at *5-2, he sealed it to end Alcaraz's 10-match winning streak.

Sinner won the best point of the match and perhaps one of the best points in the history of tennis, after both pushed each other to incredible plays, redefining court coverage, finesse, and stamina.

The way that each of them had to work so ridiculously hard to find a hole in the other’s game, made the match the best in the tournament so far.

Sinner broke Alcaraz's serve on six occasions on the way to his semifinal victory in Miami. Alcaraz had only had his serve broken four times in total at this year's Sunshine Double.

The Italian is only the third player to make multiple men's singles finals at the Miami Open before the age of 22, after Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Sinner previously held a win-loss record of 1-14 after losing the first set against top-five ranked opponents. He has now claimed a second. His only other win also came against Alcaraz (Umag F 2022).

He is also the third Italian to beat a world No.1 at ATP Masters 1000 level, progressing to the Miami final. Sinner is the first on hard court - with the other two on clay in Rome - Volandri (2007), Fognini (2017).

“It means a lot. Tonight we both played a very high level of tennis. I just tried my best. In the third set, I saw him struggling. I tried to push him there. We both tried to play very aggressive tennis, today it went my way,” he said.

And on facing Daniil Medvedev in the final, Sinner said he's happy to face him in the final again.

“Different conditions than Rotterdam. Very happy I can face him in a final again. I’ll try my best to make some good changes like today against Carlos. Let’s see. I feel good on this court and have good memories. Hopefully, I can show good tennis.”