Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev has clinched his first Miami Open title after beating Jannik Sinner in straight sets. The fourth seed Russian showed his dominance by breaking Sinner’s serve twice in the opening set before powering to a 7-5 6-3 victory.

Medvedev’s win at the Miami Open was his fifth Masters 1,000 crown and his fourth ATP title of the year, having previously won in Dubai, Doha, and Rotterdam. Medvedev, who was the runner-up at Indian Wells last month, won the match in just over 90 minutes. Sinner put up a good fight early on but was unable to sustain it and eventually tired in the second set.

The in-form Russian continued his impressive form to become the first player since Ivan Lendl in 1981 to reach a fifth consecutive ATP final when he beat fellow Russian Karen Khachanov in the last four. Medvedev has yet to lose to 21-year-old Sinner in their six meetings and also got the better of the Italian in the Rotterdam final in February.

Reflecting on his win, Medvedev said, “I’m really happy. It was a tough match. It was probably the hottest and most humid day. It was not easy conditions. I don’t know if Jannik had a small injury or cramp. I was also struggling but tried not to show it. I haven’t won such a big title in probably a year and a half. At the end, I was quite shaky, so the serve is a little bit tougher. I managed to get myself together and close out the match.”

Medvedev’s victory at the Miami Open takes his career record against Sinner to six victories out of six meetings. The Italian had claimed a shock win over top seed Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals but could not replicate that display on Sunday.

Medvedev’s impressive form this year has put him in great stead for the upcoming French Open, which begins in late May. The Russian is considered one of the favorites for the tournament, and many fans and experts will be eagerly waiting to see whether he can add to his Grand Slam tally, which currently stands at zero.

Leon Osamor