Alexander Zverev explains what sets Jannik Sinner apart on the ATP Tour

Alexander Zverev faces a tough challenge in the Miami Open semi-finals as he goes up against Jannik Sinner.

Zverev lost to Sinner at Indian Wells not long ago, but he has responded well, putting together a strong run in Miami.

So far, he has dropped just one set across matches against Francisco Cerundolo, Marin Cilic, Quentin Halys and Martin Damm.

Sinner is a different level though and Zverev knows exactly how difficult the world number two will be to overcome.

Sinner’s speed highlighted by Zverev ahead of Miami semi-final

Zverev is no stranger to the challenges Sinner brings. He’s lost six straight meetings and has only won four of their 11 ATP Tour matchups.

He said: “We’ve had very good matches in recent years, very close matches in the past few months. “It’s true that he has won them all, so I hope that this time there will be a different outcome. In Indian Wells, I played a poor match, the shot that failed me the most was the serve, that day I served terribly, so I hope that this changes tomorrow. I hope to do the best I can.”

Zverev also noted how important it will be for him to play at his absolute best if he wants to get through.

He added: “In all matches I try to use this tool, but against Jannik it will be more difficult than against others.

“Simply due to the ball speed, his average ball speed is the highest on the circuit and he always stays at the baseline, not giving you much room, so you have to be aggressive in other ways.

Zverev hasn’t beaten Sinner since their five-set clash in New York last September.

Alexander Zverev reflects on last victory against Jannik Sinner

After that match, Zverev held a 4-1 lead in their head-to-head record, but it’s been a different story ever since. Sinner has taken control of the rivalry, winning six straight encounters.

Reflecting on that win, Zverev said at the time: “I guess I can say I’m back. This is exactly what I live for.

“This is what I love to do… playing at 1:30 a.m., in front of a packed crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium. It doesn’t get any better.”

Back then, many fans were hoping for an Alcaraz-Sinner quarter-final and the German was glad to have played spoiler. “This is one of the best moments of my career. I think everybody before the tournament was looking for two matchups: Alcaraz-Novak in the final and Alcaraz-Sinner in the quarter-finals,” he said.

“So maybe I can make sure that both of those don’t happen. It’s obviously going to be one of the toughest matches for me [against Alcaraz in the quarters] and I need to recover, that’s for sure.”

Zverev now has another shot at Sinner on American soil when they meet in Miami – his last win against him also came on U.S. courts.

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