Commentator Leif Shiras compares Alcaraz-Sinner clash in Miami to Pete Sampras v Andre Agassi match-ups

ATP
Saturday, 19 August 2023 at 22:30
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Sports commentator Leif Shiras compared the match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the Miami Open to duels involving Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.
One of the rivalries that has generated great excitement in the world of tennis is that of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. World No. 1 and World No. 6 have faced each other six times in the last two years, consistently delivering high-quality tennis in unpredictable matches.
Their head-to-head record is tied at 3-3, with their latest encounter taking place in the semifinals of the Miami Open. The victory went to the 21-year-old Italian with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. Former World No. 31 Leif Shiras praised Sinner for his performance in the memorable match between these two young stars.
"[It was] maybe the match of the year against Alcaraz in Miami. That was such a brilliant match. It reminded me of the [Pete] Sampras v [Andre] Agassi matchups, [with] the points they were playing," Shiras said.
"His trajectory is I think going in the right way. He's had success before, he's had moments of opportunity, 2-0 up against Djokovic at Wimbledon, but failed to get it done. Played well against Nadal a couple of times, I think, at Roland Garros," Shiras stated.
"He's had a taste of the big moments against the biggest players. Is there something to be said that you can't win a Major without having won a Masters 1000, one of the big events? I don't know, maybe there is something to that. Well, he's done that, he's very ready," he added.
That week at the Cincinnati Open, Sinner had a disappointing start after being defeated in the first round by qualifier Dusan Lajovic. The Italian came into the tournament with great momentum after winning the Masters 1000 Canadian Open last week.
On the other hand, despite facing challenges in each match of the tournament, Alcaraz has managed to reach the semifinals and will face Hubert Hurckacz in his quest for a spot in the final.

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