MIAMI, FL – Jannik Sinner continued his remarkable run of form at the Miami Open, not only advancing in the tournament but similarly etching his name into the ATP Masters 1000 record books. The Italian defeated Corentin Moutet 6-1, 6-4 on Sunday, securing his 26th consecutive set win at Masters 1000 events – surpassing Novak Djokovic’s previous benchmark of 24, a record that had stood for a decade.
The 24-year-old Sinner’s dominant performance against Moutet at Hard Rock Stadium marked a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. He had equaled Djokovic’s record in his opening match against Damir Džumhur, and then broke it with the first set victory over the Frenchman. This achievement underscores Sinner’s consistency and growing confidence on the tour.
A Run of Dominance
Sinner’s incredible streak began at the Paris Masters last November, where he claimed the title without dropping a set. He followed that up with an equally impressive victory at Indian Wells earlier this month, again navigating the tournament without conceding a set. The run includes wins over Zizou Bergs, Francisco Cerundolo, Ben Shelton, Alexander Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Dalibor Svrcina, Denis Shapovalov, Joao Fonseca, Learner Tien, and Daniil Medvedev.
Djokovic previously held the record of 24 consecutive sets won dating back to 2016. Carlos Alcaraz sits third on the list with 21. Andy Murray and Sinner (prior to this record) are tied at 18, with Murray’s streak occurring in 2016 and Sinner’s beginning in 2024.
Sinner Downplays the Milestone
Despite the historical significance of his achievement, Sinner remained characteristically humble in his post-match comments. “I’m exceptionally happy but at the same time I don’t play for this,” he said. “I’m very happy to be here. It’s been a tournament I’ve also missed last year. So I’m very happy.” He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of tennis, stating, “Everything can happen. This sport is unpredictable. We try to keep the attention very high, as much as we can. Then we see what’s coming in the next round.”
Sinner emphasized his focus on continuous improvement. “I’m happy about today’s performance. We’re trying to improve. No day in between off, we try to rest up. Hopefully be ready for tomorrow.”
Looking Ahead: The Sunshine Double and Beyond
With the win, Sinner advances to the fourth round of the Miami Open, where he will face Alex Michelsen. He is now within striking distance of completing the “Sunshine Double” – winning both Indian Wells and Miami in the same year. Roger Federer was the last player to achieve this feat, doing so in 2017.
The Miami Open has also seen some unexpected results, with Daniil Medvedev, who recently defeated Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells, being knocked out in the last 32 by Francisco Cerundolo. Alcaraz’s early exit in Miami further elevates the stakes for Sinner as he aims to climb the rankings.
Sinner’s current form suggests he is a serious contender for the title in Miami, and his continued success could see him challenge for the world number one ranking in the coming months. His ability to maintain such a high level of play over an extended period is a testament to his dedication, athleticism, and tactical acumen.
For fans following the tournament, Sinner’s matches are proving to be must-watch events. His consistent performance and calm demeanor under pressure produce him a compelling figure in the world of men’s tennis. The Miami Open continues to deliver exciting matches and unexpected twists, and all eyes will be on Sinner as he progresses through the tournament.
The Italian’s journey is a compelling narrative of rising talent and unwavering determination, and his recent record-breaking achievement is a clear indication of his potential to turn into one of the dominant forces in men’s tennis for years to come.
Sinner will require to maintain this level of play as he faces increasingly challenging opponents in the later stages of the Miami Open. His next match against Michelsen will be a crucial test of his ability to handle the pressure and continue his winning streak.
Worth a look
