Jannik Sinner, the Italian tennis sensation, has continued his rapid ascent in the world of tennis by defeating Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets to clinch the 2024 Miami Open men’s singles title. The match took place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Sinner’s Dominant Performance
Sinner needed only 74 minutes to overcome the Bulgarian player. He served six aces and broke Dimitrov’s serve four times. This was Sinner’s third appearance in the Miami Open final, and he walked away with a $1.1 million prize for his 13th career title.
“I’m really happy I can hold the big trophy this time,” Sinner said during his trophy acceptance speech. “It’s one of the best tournaments. I’m so grateful. This is so special.”
Sinner, known for his powerful hits, also showcased his incredible speed with his racket-whipping forehand. This often sent Dimitrov, usually a fluid player, into scrambling sprints on the baseline.
Dimitrov’s Reaction
“It’s a pleasure to watch, but definitely not to play,” Dimitrov said of Sinner. “Even though I was no match today, I’ve really learned to embrace this tournament. It’s been a difficult ride throughout the years. This year I was so determined to do well.”
Match Highlights
Both players held their serves through the first four games of the finale. Sinner then broke Dimitrov for the first time in the fifth game and held for a 4-2 edge. He went on to break Dimitrov a second time with a backhand winner to claim set point.
In the second set, Dimitrov hit a return into the net in his second service game, giving Sinner another break and a 3-1 lead. Sinner held in the fifth game and broke Dimitrov for a fourth time in the sixth to take further control. He then earned championship point with a deep backhand shot, which Dimitrov couldn’t return.
Ranking Updates
With an ATP Tour-best 22-1 this season, Sinner will rise to a career-high No. 2 in the world rankings due to his performance at the Miami Open. “Being No. 2 is an amazing feeling,” Sinner said. “I never thought I’d get to this point. I come from a very normal family. My dad is still working, as is my mom. … I’m very happy to be in this position. I’m enjoying every moment.”
Despite his loss, Dimitrov will climb from No. 12 to No. 10 in the ATP Tour singles rankings. He earned $585,000 for his runner-up finish in Miami Gardens.
“Clearly, it was Jannik’s week,” Dimitrov said. “He’s been playing amazing tennis. … A lot of the important moments went his way. That makes a huge difference in a match of this caliber.”
Both Sinner and Dimitrov are set to participate in the 2024 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. The clay-court tournament will be held from Saturday to April 14 in the commune of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, between Monaco and Menton.