Sinner continues Zverev domination to set up Miami Open final against Lehecka

• Jannik Sinner defeats world No 3 6-3, 7-6 (4) in semi-final

• Jiri Lehecka beats Fils 6-2, 6-2 to reach maiden Masters 1000 decider

For one intense, gripping hour inside Miami Open’s stadium court, Alexander Zverev outperformed the modest expectations of his sceptical audience. Under sustained, suffocating pressure from the best returner in the world, he held his own serve and kept Jannik Sinner honest as a competitive second set culminated in a tie-break. Eight points in, nothing could separate them.

Things changed abruptly. At 4-4 on his own serve, Zverev set up a routine overhead that would have moved him narrowly ahead. Instead, the tension that comes with facing a player of Sinner’s calibre finally prevailed. Zverev crumbled, framing his smash into the net.