Red-hot Sinner overcomes Michelsen to reach Miami quarters

MATTHEW STOCKMAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

World number two Jannik Sinner fought back in the second set against American Alex Michelsen to seal a 7-5 7-6(4) victory and reach the Miami Open quarter-finals on Tuesday, extending his record run of consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1000 events.

Sinner edged a tight opening set before facing a sterner test in the second, where he trailed 5-2 as Michelsen raised his level from the baseline.

The Italian fought back to force a tiebreak, which he closed out to maintain his perfect record against the American and further stretch his unprecedented run of straight sets won at Masters 1000 level to 28.

"I felt like the serve helped me quite a lot today, especially in important moments and in the tiebreak, so I'm happy about that," Sinner said in his on-court interview.

"I know that if I want to go far in this tournament, I have to improve from the back of the court. Tomorrow is a day off, which helps me and I will try to find good rhythm in the practice session. Then we'll see how things go."

Sinner also reached his 20th Masters quarter-final, while he kept alive his bid for a rare "Sunshine Double" after lifting the title at Indian Wells earlier this month without dropping a set.

The 24-year-old could become the first man since Roger Federer in 2017 to win both US hard court Masters events in the same season.

More from Sports

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

  • Afternoons with Helen Farmer

    1:00pm - 4:00pm

    Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!