Miami Open practice conditions throw a curveball: Jannik Sinner left scrambling

Jannik Sinner is aiming to become the first player in nine years to complete the Sunshine Double this week.

The Italian looked sharp in Indian Wells, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him carry that momentum into Miami.

But Sinner’s recent comments about the conditions have caught some attention after he shared his thoughts following a practice session ahead of the tournament.

Jannik Sinner opens up about Miami Open preparation

“It’s definitely different than Indian Wells,” he told Tennis Majors.

Sinner didn’t waste any time explaining the reasons behind it, and spoke on how those conditions might affect his attempt to win back-to-back Masters 1000 titles.

“We have come from a place where it’s very bouncy and the ball is flying. Now here it’s a bit lower and slightly faster, although yesterday we practised and it’s a bit different than I expected.

He continued: “That’s because of the heat and the weather, so let’s see. Every year is different and I’m very happy to be here. Hopefully I can play some good tennis.”

When asked about his celebration after winning in Indian Wells, where he pointed to his chest, Sinner explained: “I wanted to show myself that I am capable of going far in this tournament. For me it has still been a great tournament in the past years, it was a tournament I missed last year especially, and it’s the same here in Miami.

“These couple of hard court tournaments are important to me as they are at the beginning of the season and it’s the last couple of tournaments before clay. Because on clay you never know how things will turn out.

“Last year helped me in a confidence way but you still never know. I am happy to play some good tennis at the moment and hopefully I can keep going.”

The last player who won both events back-to-back was Roger Federer, who completed the Sunshine Double back in 2017.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner reconnect in Miami

After their first meeting of 2026 was disrupted by Daniil Medvedev, fans will be looking at Miami as another good opportunity for Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to face off in a final once again.

The mutual respect between these two players is clear, not just in how they compete against each other, but also in the way they talk about one another off the court.

Another moment that highlighted their positive relationship came when footage surfaced of the pair catching up in Miami shortly after Sinner’s win at Indian Wells.

Alcaraz greeted the Italian with: “Hey, great stuff champ, congrats.” The conversation quickly shifted to golf before the world number one left Sinner to continue his practice session.

Read more: