Sinner powers past Medvedev in straight sets to reach Miami final

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Jannik Sinner is starting to dominate.

Sinner defeated third-seeded Daniil Medvedev 6-1, 6-2 on Friday in the semifinals of the Miami Open.

Second seed Sinner, rock solid with his firecracker forehand, became the first man to reach two consecutive Miami Open finals since John Isner (2018-2019). In last year's Miami Finals, Medvedev defeated Sinner at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins.

This time, Medvedev's three matches won tied his career low in a match.

Sinner began his revenge against Medvedev by beating him in the Australian Open final in January, rallying from two sets down and setting the stage for a wonderful 2024 campaign.

Sinner will face the winner of the second semi-final between No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev and 11th seed Grigor Dimitrov.

This match was much easier in the 80 degree heat of South Florida as the Italian took an early 5-0 lead by making two consecutive breaks on the Russian's serve. It was over in 69 minutes.

“This year I have another chance,” Sinner said during the on-field interview. “I don't think he played his best tennis and I tried to stay focused and in my rhythm.”

By defeating Medvedev four times in the match, Sinner took his 2024 record to 21-1, with his only loss coming in the Indian Wells final against Carlos Alcaraz.

In the second game of the match, Sinner hit a crosscourt forehand winner on a third break point for a 2-0 lead. Medvedev gave a thumbs up towards his player's box.

The Italian took a 4-0 lead after conceding his fourth break point of the match, fending off a short ball from Medvedev, who was troubled by two net cords during the match.

Sinner broke Medvedev in the first game of the second set and was on his way. Late in the second set, trailing 5-1, Medvedev heard boos and whistles when he appeared to frustratingly return a ball to a baller with extra enthusiasm.

Zverev will enter the night card with a 7-1 lead over Dimitrov in the head-to-head series, with Dimitrov's only victory coming in 2014.

Dimitrov beat No. 1 seed Alcaraz 6-2, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. The 20-year-old Spaniard then said of Dimitrov: “He played incredible tennis, almost perfect. I didn't find any solutions.”

The women's final will take place on Saturday, when American player Danielle Collins faces No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina.