Jannik Sinner’s concerning prediction about the 2026 Miami Open men’s final has proved correct. The Italian’s chase for a second title at the tournament has faced a delay, courtesy of the unfavorable forecast. Sinner is set to contest the title clash against Czechia’s Jiří Lehečka.
Jannik Sinner and Jiří Lehečka’s Miami Open Final Suffers Rain Delay
Sinner is gearing up for his fourth final in Florida. He was the champion in 2024 and endured runner-up finishes in 2021 and 2023. Ahead of the final, though, the player voiced one alert. “We all hope for a great match. Let’s see also the weather forecast. It’s also not promising, but we hope for as dry as possible so that we have a chance to play,” he said in his post-semifinal press conference.
Sinner’s concern has indeed materialized. The Miami Open has been plagued by rain delays over the years. Last year’s final between Jakub Menšík and Novak Djokovic suffered a similar fate. The opening rounds of the 2026 edition, too, were postponed to the next day after a complete washout.
On Sunday, March 29, the Miami Open was forced to suspend play during the women’s doubles final between Sara Errani-Jasmine Paolini and Katerina Siniakova-Taylor Townsend, with the latter leading 6-5. Their title clash preceded Sinner and Lehečka’s final at Hard Rock Stadium, which was originally scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (local time).
The prolonged delay resulted in the women’s doubles final being moved to Grandstand Court, allowing the men’s final to begin as early as possible. The matches have yet to resume. According to Miami Open’s latest update, the matches will start not before 4:15 p.m. local time.
Update as of 3:40pm. pic.twitter.com/nDOoTDRMDu
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 29, 2026
Amid the rain delay, Sinner was spotted enjoying a kickabout with his team outside the main stadium.
Jannik enjoying a kickabout before the Miami Open final ⚽ pic.twitter.com/xwlHdRfxZR
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) March 29, 2026
Jannik Sinner Previews Miami Open Final Against Jiří Lehečka
Ahead of the match, Sinner shared his thoughts on his opponent. “It’s going to be a very tough match. I look just on that day, what’s ahead of me. You know, it’s a very, very tough opponent. He played incredible tennis throughout the whole week here. He doesn’t have to lose anything. I’m in a different position but in the same time I will give my best,” he said in his press conference.
“Look, amazing couple of tournaments. No matter what happens now in the final, I, of course, I’ll give it the best shot, but reaching a final here, it’s good for me,” the Italian added.
MORE: Jiří Lehečka Honors Parents and ‘Humble Family’ Ahead of Sinner Miami Open Final
Sinner, who beat Damir Džumhur, Corentin Moutet, Alex Michelsen, Frances Tiafoe, and Alexander Zverev en route to Sunday’s showdown, is bidding for a rare Sunshine Double accomplishment, having won Indian Wells a couple of weeks ago.
Lehečka, meanwhile, has bagged a place in his career’s first Masters 1000 final with victories against Moise Kouame, Ethan Quinn, Taylor Fritz, Martin Landaluce, and Arthur Fils. The finalists are set for a fourth career meeting on Sunday, with Sinner leading 3-0 in their rivalry.
