Sinner, Medvedev book Miami Open semis clash
MIAMI: World No. 3 Jannik Sinner will face defending champion Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals of the Miami Open — a rematch of the Australian Open final won by Sinner and last year’s Miami title match.
Sinner moved into the last four in emphatic style on Wednesday, beating Czech Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-2 before Medvedev overcame a stern test against Chilean Nicolas Jarry before emerging with a 6-2, 7-6 (9-7) win.
Italy’s Sinner, who rallied from two sets down to beat Medvedev and claim his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, will play in his fourth semi of the season after dealing with lively Machac in 91 minutes.
Despite the comfortable margin of the win, Sinner said Machac deserved praise for his energetic and aggressive performance.
“He has an incredible talent. He is super fast, also physically he is in great shape,” said the world No. 3.
“I didn’t know exactly what to expect today. The first games I was looking a little bit at what kind of tactics could work or not,” he added.
“I played good, especially in the important moments of the match, which makes it... the scoreboard, you see the score, but it’s sometimes lying. Today was a little bit like that,” said Sinner.
Medvedev said he is looking forward to resuming battle with Sinner after his five-set loss in Melbourne.
“I won the first two sets — which would be enough in Miami,” he quipped.
“But for sure this match is going to be different. I am sure he will adapt again and I am going to talk to my team and see what I can do better.
“I’m going to go out there, 100 per cent ready to win and to make his life tough,” said the Russian.