‘Focused’ Jannik Sinner begins Sunshine Double quest in style with victory over Damir Dzumhur at Miami Open as he equals Novak Djokovic record

React to this story

Jannik Sinner began his quest for a 'Sunshine Double' with his opening victory at the Miami Open, during which he equalled a record set by Novak Djokovic. The Italian beat Damir Dzumhur in straight sets in Hard Rock Stadium in just 71 minutes. If he was to win in Florida, he would become the first man to win Indian Wells and the Miami Open in the same year since Roger Federer in 2017.

Highlights: Sinner overcomes Medvedev to win maiden Indian Wells title

Video credit: SNTV

Jannik Sinner began his quest to complete a famous Sunshine Double in style, winning his opening match at the Miami Open in straight sets.

The Italian beat Damir Dzumhur 6-3 6-3 in Hard Rock Stadium in the second round on Saturday.

Sinner is seeking to become the first man to complete the Sunshine Double - winning Indian Wells and the Miami Open in the same year – since Roger Federer in 2017. Last week, Sinner beat Daniil Medvedev in the Indian Wells final.

Montreal Men's Singles -

How Jodar matched Murray, Djokovic and Alcaraz record with storming Montreal run

16 hours ago

Sinner did not play at Indian Wells or Miami last year while serving a three-month suspension after a doping violation.

The four-time Grand Slam winner looked in imperious form against the world No. 76, dropping just eight points on his serve throughout the match.

”Most importantly for me to be here, it was a tournament I missed [last year],’’ Sinner, who won the Miami Open in 2024, said afterwards. ”Last week was a great week for me. Now we already have a new one.

”I’m quite focused on here and try to do my best. Let’s see how it goes. Miami is a special place.”

'This achievement means a lot to me' - Sinner on winning first Indian Wells title

Video credit: SNTV

Victory against 34-year-old Dzumhur extends Sinner’s winning streak at ATP Masters 1000 events to 12 following title runs at the Paris Masters and Indian Wells.

In Saturday’s victory, the 24-year-old also tied Novak Djokovic’s record for the most consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1000 events, now having won 24 in a row.

”I feel like the scoreboard matters at times,” Sinner said when asked about his streak of Masters 1000 straight-sets wins. ”For me, I try to improve as a player and put myself in the position to play as many matches as possible.

”I always treat every opponent in the same way, trying to come on court and do my best with a great attitude and trying to go for it.”

Sinner will have the opportunity to surpass Djokovic’s record when he takes on 30th seed Corentin Moutet in the third round.

Djokovic set the record during a span in 2016 when the then-world No. 1 completed the Sunshine Double for a record fourth time. His run eventually came to an end when he lost his opening match at that year's Monte-Carlo Masters to Jiri Vesely.

Key to Sinner’s victory over Dzumhur was his effectiveness at the net, where he won 14 of the 17 points when advancing towards the net.

”For me, the transition game is very important. It’s a part that we’ve tried to improve a lot,” said Sinner. ”It also depends a bit, day by day. Today, starting off with a break straightaway, I tried to be a bit aggressive.

”At times it worked very well, at times I made a couple of unforced errors, but I didn’t have a lot of time to adjust here. It’s very different than in Indian Wells. First-round matches are never easy, so I’m happy.”

Watch and stream the 2026 French Open live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

Tennis