Jannik Sinner was in typically faultless form last night as he cruised past an inspired Alexander Zverev to reach the Miami Open final.
For the German, it was a hugely frustrating experience, playing some of his best tennis and having nothing to show for it.
He wasn’t even afforded a set as Jannik Sinner stampeded through their semi-final with frightening precision and power.
However, the former world number one still had plenty of praise to offer to his opponent, highlighting Alexander Zverev as he discussed his ambitions to hopefully return to the top of the world rankings soon.
Jannik Sinner speaks about wanting to return to world number one
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Sinner was coy when referencing Carlos Alcaraz as the current world number one.
He was also keen to ensure that his intentions were made clear though, claiming: “I think that the ranking is a consequence of how someone plays, right?
Do you really believe that Alexander Zverev can win a Grand Slam title?
“So I know the opportunities, I know where I’m standing and everything, but that’s what matters for me, is trying to be as performing as possible in every big event, you know, especially Grand Slams and the Masters events.
“And yeah, so, obviously I know the scenarios, I’m very aware, but, you know, everything can change with one event, you know. That’s it, that’s how tennis is, you know, and then after we also have to see how we both are going to react from Rome onwards, right?
“Because there we made a lot, for him and also for me. But I’m happy to put myself in this position.”
Sinner also insisted that the race was not solely between himself and Alcaraz though, actually referencing Zverev despite having just recorded a seventh straight victory over him.
He added: “But as I said, it’s just a consequence of how I’m gonna play, how he’s gonna play, how others are gonna play, because, you know, Sascha is an incredible player, as we saw. He’s there, so, yeah, let’s see.”
These words will ring hollow for Zverev, who recently reaffirmed his ambition to win a Grand Slam title and saw those plans instantly dashed by one of the greatest obstacles to completing this task.
Jannik Sinner’s golden opportunity to overtake Carlos Alcaraz
Sinner, despite being currently over 1500 points behind Alcaraz in the live world rankings, is arguably the heavy favourite to soon be the world number one.
After all, whilst his generational rival has plenty to defend in the coming months, instead, he has nothing.
Around this time last year, Sinner began his three-month ban from the sport and thus missed the Sunshine Double as well as most of the clay-court swing.
Who wins Sunday’s Miami Open final?
During that period, Alcaraz swept up most of the elite titles, and as such, has 4300 points to defend.
It would take something miraculous for Sinner not to overtake the 22-year-old, and it’s paramount that he takes advantage of this golden opportunity ahead of Wimbledon, which he won last year.
