candidly talked<\/a> about needing to bring more variety and unpredictability to the court.<\/p>\nBut since falling to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals, and then Jakub Mensik in Doha, Sinner’s success has come down to the improved reliability of his service game.<\/p>\n
Metronomic precision with his opening shot laid the platform for his Miami victory.<\/p>\n
Hitting 70 aces over six matches was the highest tally of his career in a three-set tournament. Only once did he drop a service game.<\/p>\n
Against Lehecka, Sinner won 92% of his first-serve points. How he overcame his only moment of real peril underlined the effectiveness of his serve.<\/p>\n
Trailing 0-40 and facing three break points when 2-1 up in the first set, Sinner pulled out five inch-perfect first serves which Lehecka could barely get a string on.<\/p>\n
It was reminiscent of Roger Federer at his best, able to relieve pressure and deflate opponents by serving his way out of trouble.<\/p>\n
No wonder some have claimed Sinner has entered his ‘servebot’ era.<\/p>\n
That is not the only area where he is looking to make improvements, though.<\/p>\n
Sinner was described as “one of the best ball strikers the game has ever seen” by Miami quarter-final opponent Frances Tiafoe – yet is still looking to increase aggression with his forehand.<\/p>\n
That might seem ridiculous given the power and precision which Sinner already possesses from that wing.<\/p>\n
As Sinner looked to secure the opening set against Lehecka, he twice dispatched first serves from the Czech with crushing cross-court forehands.<\/p>\n
It was proof of Sinner’s desire to put his foot down at the right time and sent a clear message to his rivals.<\/p>\n
“The guy has zero weakness – that’s why he has won so much,” said 2013 Wimbledon women’s champion Marion Bartoli, analysing the final for Sky Sports.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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