Fri. Nov 22nd, 2024
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Daniil Medvedev in action at the Miami Open final against Jannik Sinner
Daniil Medvedev’s victory at the 2021 US Open remains his only Grand Slam title

Former world number one Daniil Medvedev won the Miami Open title for the first time by beating Jannik Sinner in straight sets.

The in-form Russian fourth seed broke serve twice in the opening set before easing to a 7-5 6-3 victory.

It is the fifth Masters 1,000 crown of his career and his fourth ATP title of 2023 following wins in Dubai, Doha and Rotterdam.

“I’m really happy. It was a tough match,” said 27-year-old Medvedev.

“It was probably the hottest and most humid day. It was not easy conditions. I don’t know if Jannik had a small injury or cramp. I was also struggling but tried not to show it.

“I haven’t won’t such a big title in probably a year and a half. At the end I was quite shaky so the serve is a little bit tougher. I managed to get myself together and close out the match.”

The Russian, a runner-up at Indian Wells last month, continued his impressive form to win in just over 90 minutes as Sinner tired in the second set after putting up a fight early on.

Italy’s Sinner, the world number 11, claimed a shock win over top seed Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals but could not recreate that display on Sunday.

World number five Medvedev became the first player since Ivan Lendl in 1981 to reach a fifth consecutive ATP final when he beat fellow Russian Karen Khachanov in the last four.

He is yet to lose to 21-year-old Sinner in six meetings and also got the better of the Italian in the Rotterdam final in February.

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