Jiri Lehecka and Jannik Sinner are set so as to add to their rivalry within the Miami Open remaining
Jiri Lehecka was ruthless when discussing Jannik Sinner’s failed drug take a look at in 2024. The pair are gearing as much as reignite their rivalry within the Miami Open remaining on Sunday.
Two years in the past, Sinner returned two constructive exams for clostebol however was not initially suspended by the Worldwide Tennis Integrity Company. An unbiased panel discovered that he had not been at fault or negligent in relation to the failed exams, although the World Anti-Doping Company appealed the choice.
The announcement was made whereas the Italian ace was nonetheless competing on the China Open, the place he confronted Lehecka within the quarter-finals. The Czech star did not maintain again when requested about his opponent’s uncommon circumstances forward of their match.
“Jannik is ready to slap 5 million euros on the desk for legal professionals and say, ‘Guys, come on, let’s play.’ I believe that is one of many causes they have been extra cautious with him,” Lehecka mentioned on the time.
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Following Lehecka’s straight-sets defeat in Beijing, a social media troll wrote on X: “Hello Jiri, this is the reason he can unfold 5 million euros on a desk to pay for a lawyer and you’ll’t.”
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The social media consumer subsequently deleted the put up however not earlier than Lehecka replied: “I agree.” Nevertheless, Sinner now has an opportunity to get his revenge on Lehecka by denying the Czech star a 3rd ATP title.
In September 2024, when questioned about WADA’s resolution to problem the unique verdict, he said: “It is not a state of affairs the place I prefer to be in. It is a very delicate and troublesome and in addition completely different state of affairs.
“However what I do know is that I at all times attempt to remind myself that I have never carried out something improper. For positive I had sleepless nights throughout this time. Now once more it should be not straightforward.”
Sinner is aiming to win the Miami Open for a second time(Picture: Mauricio Paiz/NurPhoto by way of Getty Photos)
Regardless of the scrutiny, Sinner’s performances on the tennis court docket appeared unscathed. The then-world No.1 triumphed on the Shanghai Open, ATP Tour finals, Davis Cup and Australian Open earlier than his suspension was confirmed final February.
Sinner has kicked off 2026 in equally spectacular model, clinching Indian Wells earlier this month. The 24-year-old made it to the Miami Open remaining with a win over Alexander Zverev, whereas Lehecka beat Arthur Fils within the semi-finals.
Lehecka has misplaced his three earlier encounters with Sinner however will intention to vary the narrative of their subsequent showdown. In the meantime, this will probably be his opponent’s fourth Miami Open remaining, having gained the occasion in 2024.
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