Jannik Sinner completes unprecedented Sunshine Double feat as Italian sets sights on taking world No. 1 from Carlos Alcaraz
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Published 30/03/2026 at 19:31 GMT+1
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Jannik Sinner is edging ever closer to sensationally stealing back the world No. 1 spot from Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian took a giant leap towards regaining the top ranking by achieving something no man had managed before him. Sinner was flawlessly victorious at both Indian Wells and the Miami Open, joining an exclusive group of stars to complete the Sunshine Double.
'Both are very difficult' - Sinner compares winning 'Sunshine Double' to Grand Slams
Video credit: SNTV
Jannik Sinner made history with his triumph at the Miami Open on Sunday, becoming the first man to win the Sunshine Double without dropping a set.
The Italian joined an exclusive group of stars to emerge victorious from both Indian Wells and Miami in the same season, with only seven other men's players completing the feat: Jim Courier, Michael Chang, Pete Sampras, Marcelo Rios, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
It was the first time since Federer scooped the two tournaments in 2017 that a man had done the famed double, while Aryna Sabalenka also added her name to the women's Sunshine Double list that consisted of Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and Iga Swiatek.
After beating Jiri Lehecka 6-4 6-4 in the Miami showpiece, Sinner insisted he could not choose between winning a Grand Slam and the Sunshine Double.
"It's tough to say and tough to compare [winning the Sunshine Double with a Grand Slam victory]. I don't want to choose. Both are very difficult, but Grand Slams are always a bit different," said Sinner in a press conference after his triumph in Miami.
"I feel like best of five and throughout two full weeks, things can change throughout one night. Maybe you wake up not feeling well and the body might feel a little bit more.
"Also here, physically it's tough because when you go far in Indian Wells you come here a little bit tired, but the motivation is very high, because you come from a very [big] confidence boost also. But yeah, I don't want to compare [them]."
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Highlights: Sinner overcomes Medvedev to win maiden Indian Wells title
Video credit: SNTV
On his way to the two trophies, Sinner defeated Dalibor Svrcina, Denis Shapovalov, Joao Fonseca, Learner Tien, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells before sweeping aside Damir Dzumhur, Corentin Moutet, Alex Michelsen, Frances Tiafoe, Zverev again and Lehecka.
All 12 of the 24-year-old's wins came without a third set being required and Sinner was delighted by his flawless March displays.
"It has been an incredible swing for me and I'm extremely happy with the work we did to be in this position," said Sinner.
"Making the Sunshine Double here for the first time, it's incredible. It's something I would have never thought, because it's difficult to achieve, and we made it somehow, so I'm very happy."
Looking ahead, the much-coveted world No. 1 spot could be within Sinner's reach, should he find success in the clay season.
Carlos Alcaraz leads the ATP standings by 1,190 points, but has 4,300 points to defend in Monaco, Rome, Barcelona and at Roland-Garros.
Sinner, meanwhile, has zero to defend at the Barcelona Open and in Monte Carlo, picking up 1,950 points in last year's French Open - live on TNT Sports and HBO Max - and at the 2025 Italian Open.
The pressure is on the Spaniard, therefore, with Sinner set to use the Monte-Carlo Masters as preparation for a tilt at the French Open title.
"Right now I also want to enjoy this moment and if I do not stop, I will never stop. I am obviously happy to win these two tournaments in two days. We don't have much time," said Sinner.
"On Thursday we will then start again on tour if I am physically well. For the moment, I'm feeling good, so I'm happy with that aspect there and then we'll see.
"Surely if I want to play the singles [in Monte Carlo], the doubles could help me out. Just to feel a bit about the conditions as they will be in Monaco and then obviously try to be as ready as possible for an important tournament.
"But I must also say that it will be a preparation tournament for everything else."
Watch and stream the 2026 tennis season - including the French Open - on TNT Sports and HBO Max
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