Jiri Lehecka did not hold back when discussing Jannik Sinner’s failed drug test in 2024. The pair are set to reignite their rivalry as they prepare for the Miami Open final on Sunday.

Two years ago, Sinner returned two positive tests for clostebol but was not initially suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency. An independent panel found that he had not been at fault or negligent in relation to the failed tests, though the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the decision. The announcement was made while the Italian ace was still competing at the China Open, where he faced Lehecka in the quarter-finals. The Czech star made his feelings clear ahead of their match when asked about his opponent’s unusual circumstances.

“Jannik is able to slap five million euros on the table for lawyers and say, ‘Guys, come on, let’s play.’ I think that’s one of the reasons they were more careful with him,” Lehecka said at the time.

Following Lehecka’s straight-sets defeat to in Beijing, a social media troll wrote on X: “Hi Jiri, this is why he can spread five million euros on a table to pay for a lawyer and you can’t.”

The social media user subsequently deleted the post but not before an unfazed Lehecka replied: “I agree.” However, Sinner now has an opportunity to get his revenge on Lehecka by denying the Czech star his third ATP title.

In September 2024, when asked about WADA’s decision to appeal the original ITIA verdict, he said: “It’s not a situation where I like to be in. It’s a very delicate and difficult and also different situation.

“But what I know is that I always try to remind myself that I haven’t done anything wrong. For sure I had sleepless nights during this time. Now again it’s going to be not easy.”

Despite the scrutiny that followed, Sinner’s performances on the tennis court were seemingly unaffected. The then-world No.1 triumphed at the Shanghai Open, ATP Tour finals, Davis Cup and Australian Open before his suspension was confirmed last Febraury.

Sinner has begun 2026 in similarly impressive form, winning Indian Wells earlier this month. The 24-year-old reached the Miami Open final with a victory over Alexander Zverev, while Lehecka defeated Arthur Fils in the semi-finals. Lehecka has lost his three previous meetings with Sinner but will hope to rewrite the script in their next clash.