MIAMI: Jannik Sinner booked his place in the Miami Open quarter-finals on Tuesday, overcoming Alex Michelsen in straight sets to keep his hopes of completing the “Sunshine Double” alive.
The second seed, fresh off his title win at Indian Wells, delivered a composed 7-5, 7-6(7/4) victory in one hour and 41 minutes, though he was pushed hard by the unseeded American.
After a tight start, Sinner stepped up the pressure late in the opening set, eventually breaking Michelsen in the 11th game before sealing the set. Michelsen responded strongly in the second, racing to a 5-2 lead, but struggled with the shifting daylight conditions as Sinner fought back to force a tiebreak and clinch the win with a powerful serve.
“I served well in key moments, and that made the difference,” Sinner said, noting the challenge of adapting from a night match to daytime conditions.
He will now face Frances Tiafoe, who advanced after a three-set win over France’s Terence Atmane.
Elsewhere, Spain’s rising star Martin Landaluce produced a stunning comeback to defeat Sebastian Korda, saving a match point to secure a 2-6, 7-6, 6-4 victory. The 20-year-old, ranked 151st, continues a breakthrough run after also eliminating Karen Khachanov earlier in the tournament.
Landaluce will meet Jiri Lehecka, who knocked out sixth seed Taylor Fritz in three sets.
In other matches, Tommy Paul advanced comfortably and will face France’s Arthur Fils, while Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo continued his strong form to set up a clash with Alexander Zverev.
Muchova, Gauff reach semis
In the women’s draw, Karolina Muchova edged past Canada’s Victoria Mboko in a tight two-set battle to reach her first Miami Open semi-final.
She will face Coco Gauff, who secured her maiden Miami semi-final appearance with a three-set victory over Belinda Bencic.