Sinner flattens Tiafoe as Miami title beckons

Jannik Sinner moved to within two wins of completing the Sunshine Double title pair, with the Italian crushing Frances Tiafoe 6-2,6-2 to reach the semi-finals of the Miami Masters.

The world No. 2 is bidding to become the first since Roger Federer in 2017 lift lift trophies during the same month at the Indian Wells and Miami events on US hardcourt.

Snner polished his one-way record over Tiafoe to 5-1 as he won his third in a row of that series.

The Italian who is also closing in on a return to the top ATP ranking as rival Carlos Alcaraz nursing a pair of early losses in the US series, has defeated his last 29 American opponents.

Tiafoe was out-played from the start by the second seed and dropped the opening set in 30 minutes.

 Sinner broke in the third game of the second set and again later on to wrap up victory in 67 minutes with 14 aces – including on match point.

“A good start is very important in a match like this,” he said. “When you go a break up it gives you confidence.

“I tried to stay very compact with my shots. There are a lot of ups and downs so mentally I tried to stay calm. and take the chances that I could

“I’ve played a lot of tennis in the last three or four weeks. And this is my last event before going onto the clay, so I want to keep going. I’m happy to make the semi-finals again,” he said after doing it for the fourth time in Miami.

The Italian has now won 30 sets in a row at the Masters 1000 level as he moves into his 15th career semi in the elite series.

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner into Miami Semis – by ISF Ltd