New Delhi: Jannik Sinner defeated Jiri Lehecka 6-4 6-4 in a rain-affected Miami Open final to complete the the coveted ‘Sunshine Double’.

The World No. 2 became the first man to claim the ‘Sunshine Double’ without losing a set across Indian Wells and Miami, joining Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi, Marcelo Rios, Pete Sampras, Michael Chang and Jim Courier.

The Italian is the also the first male player since Federer in 2017 to win both tournaments in the same season, extending his record to 34 consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1000 level.

“We did a lot of work to be in this position, so I’m really, really happy, and I’m also happy to go back home now,” he said after the match.

“Making here the Sunshine Double here for the first time, it’s incredible. It’s something I would have never thought, because it’s also difficult to achieve, and yeah, we made it somehow, so I’m very happy.”

Sinner improved to 19-2 win-loss ratio this season, extending his string of Masters 1000 matches without dropping a set to 17.

The match began 90 minutes later than schedule due to rain and Sinner surged to a 3-1 lead and claimed the opening set with a servic hold at love.

Rain interrupted the opening game of the second set for 90 minutes after which world number 22 Lehecka, in his first Masters 1000 final, saved five break points over two service games to move 4-3 ahead before Sinner seized control to win.

“I tried to stay solid in very different conditions today, it was very heavy so it’s tough to go through the player,” Sinner said.

“I tried to stay solid in important moments and I’m very happy to take this [trophy] home with me.”