Jannik Sinner will be hoping to do what no man has done in nine years this week, and complete the Sunshine Double.
And, given how impressive the Italian looked in Indian Wells, it would be unwise to bet against him maintaining his form and storming to another title at the Miami Open too.
However, there might be cause for concern among his fanbase after his latest comments, as he provided his analysis on the conditions after practising ahead of the tournament.
Jannik Sinner surprised by his practice ahead of the Miami Open
In comments collected by Tennis Majors, he admitted: “It’s definitely different than Indian Wells.”
Jannik Sinner swiftly explained why, and also outlined how the stark differences have caught him off guard as he bids to win back-to-back titles at these prestigious Masters 1000 events.
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He added: “We have come from a place where it’s very bouncy and the ball is flying. Now here it’s a bit lower and slightly faster, although yesterday we practised and it’s a bit different than I expected.
“That’s because of the heat and the weather, so let’s see. Every year is different and I’m very happy to be here. Hopefully I can play some good tennis.”
Then asked about his celebration after winning the final in Indian Wells, where he pointed to his chest, Sinner elaborated: “I wanted to show myself that I am capable of going far in this tournament. For me it has still been a great tournament in the past years, it was a tournament I missed last year especially, and it’s the same here in Miami.
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“These couple of hard court tournaments are important to me as they are at the beginning of the season and it’s the last couple of tournaments before clay. Because on clay you never know how things will turn out.
“Last year helped me in a confidence way but you still never know. I am happy to play some good tennis at the moment and hopefully I can keep going.”
Roger Federer was the last man to win the Sunshine Double in 2017, and Sinner bids to mimic that feat.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner catch up at the Miami Open
Having had their first meeting of 2026 thwarted by Daniil Medvedev, fans will hope that Miami represents another great chance to see Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz meet in yet another final.
The mutual respect between these two superstars is evident, and that comes through not only in their play on the court, but also in how they speak about each other when off it.
We saw yet another example of their strong relationship, as footage emerged of the two meeting in Miami just after Sinner had claimed the title in Indian Wells.
There, Alcaraz approached the Italian and said: “Hey, great stuff champ, congrats.” Their conversation then swiftly turned to golf, before the world number one left him to practice.
