Carlos Alcaraz stunned by Jannik Sinner in epic Miami Open semi-final to set up Daniil Medvedev clash

Jannik Sinner came back from a set down to stun Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(4) 6-4 6-2 to reach the final of the Miami Open.

Alcaraz will now lose his status as world No. 1 to Novak Djokovic, having returned to the top of the ATP rankings following his Indian Wells triumph.

“It means a lot,” said Sinner. “We both played a very, very high level of tennis again. I just tried my best.

“In the third set I saw him struggle a little bit for a couple of games so I tried to push there. We both tried to play very aggressive tennis and today it went my way so I’m very happy.”

Sinner broke early in the first set to lead 4-2, when both players delivered an incredible 25-shot rally, which was won by the Italian with a cross-court passing backhand, to get the crowd on their feet.

However, Alcaraz fought back and led 6-5 to serve for the set. He couldn’t do it though, so a tie-break was required and it was Sinner who led 4-2.

Alcaraz reeled off the five points in a row to turn the tie-break around to win an epic opening set.

It looked like the Spaniard was going to win the match when he was 4-3 up in the second set and had two break points. But, Sinner had other ideas and began his comeback by serving his way out of trouble and won the next two games to send the semi-final to a decider.

Sinner broke at the start of the third set as Alcaraz suffered cramps with his leg. The US Open champion tried his best to fight back, but the quality of Sinner meant he booked a place in his second Masters final.

His other ATP 1000 final appearance came two years ago, also at the Miami Open, where Sinner was beaten by Hubert Hurkacz.

As for Alcaraz, he was defending his 1000 ranking points from his triumph in Miami last year, which is why Djokovic will move back ahead as world No. 1, despite the Serbian missing the Sunshine Double.

“I had my opportunities to break in the second set and serving for the match, but really against Sinner is always a tough battle,” said Alcaraz.

“It’s tough to put into words but I think it was a great match for both. I don’t think about that I lost the No. 1, I lost the Sunshine Double. Of course it’s a shame, but I think I’m gonna have more years to try to get it.

“I feel something different about the crowd when I play against Jannik. I think around the world is probably all the people watching this match because I think it’s really beautiful to watch.”

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