Lehecka will take on Jannik Sinner on Sunday.Former World No.9 Andrea Petkovic believes Jiri Lehecka must come to the net if he wants to beat Jannik Sinner in the Miami Open final. Sinner will definitely start as a favorite against the Czech, and the 21st seed will need to bring his A-game to the court.

Lehecka had beaten Arthur Fils by 6-2, 6-2 in the semifinal clash, whereas Sinner had beaten Alexander Zverev in straight sets. The Italian has been in top form as he has been ticking the right boxes. Sinner extended his record to 32 consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1000 events after his semifinal win.

“Well, I think Prakash you said it yesterday on the desk… I thought that was a very astute observation,” Petkovic said on Tennis Channel. “I think usually Lehecka has… he has only but one choice, and that is to try and find a way to the net. 

“He’s not going to win this match from the baseline, but if he plays like he did yesterday, very aggressively, very front-facing.

“I think this is maybe a little harsh. However, watching having watched Jannik Sinner in the last two weeks, it seems fair. 

“The odds seem fair. But then again, who is the last guy he [Sinner] lost to? Jakub Mensik – a Czech man who has a similar style to Lehecka.”

Danielle Collins, the lowest-ranked female champion in Miami, added: “I don’t see many holes in Jannik Sinner’s game.

“I mean, I feel like the odds are pretty fair with how he’s been playing. He’s been the dominant force.”

Petkovic then continued: “I mean, the only thing about Lehecka, I have seen, if somebody changes it up and can play a few lower slices and change the rhythm up, as you see with many Czech players, that can sometimes throw them off.

“The way he’s played in the semi-final was absolutely outstanding.”