VIENNA - Jannik Sinner has done it again: the South Tyrolean tennis star has been crowned the winner of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna for the second time since 2023. In a thrilling final lasting 2 hours and 28 minutes, the world number 2 defeated the German Alexander Zverev (ATP 3) 3:6, 6:3 and 7:5. It was the 10th win in a row for Sinner in Vienna and his 21st win in a row on indoor hard court.
However, the match in the sold-out Wiener Stadthalle started anything but according to plan for Sinner. Zverev got off to a dominant start, serving superbly - with a first serve percentage of 80 percent - and repeatedly scoring points with precise baseline shots. The Italian quickly trailed 1:4 and faced further break points. Although Sinner was able to fend them off, Zverev deservedly secured the first set 6:3.
However, Sinner collected himself during the break and made a furious start to the second set. He quickly took a 3:0 lead and, despite a few unfamiliar mistakes, regained his confidence. The South Tyrolean had to increase the risk to impose his game on Zverev, which gave him the 6:3 set equalizer after exactly 90 minutes.
Drama in the deciding set
The third set developed into a tennis thriller at the highest level. Both players were confident on their own serve for a long time. Zverev only had to fend off two break points at 2:2. When the fans were already expecting a tie-break, Sinner struck at the decisive moment: He took Zverev's serve to make it 6:5 and then served out the match with aplomb. „I returned better in the second set and tried to push on the important points,“ said Sinner, analyzing the key to victory.
Record crowd and Zverev's laughs
The award ceremony turned into a demonstration of great sporting fairness. Alexander Zverev caused a laugh when he addressed Sinner with a serious face: „You're really getting on our nerves now. Relax, we know you're the best, let me win something.“ He added seriously: „You deserved to win today. Congratulations.“
Sinner also paid tribute to his opponent: „Sascha, I know how difficult this year has been for you. But you're playing better week after week. Tennis needs you.“ The tournament itself broke all records: with 82,000 visitors, the 80,000 mark was broken for the first time thanks to the new, second match location (Marx Halle). Tournament director Herwig Straka announced that he would be talking to Sinner next week about returning in 2026: „If he plays a 500 tournament, then Vienna will definitely be at the top of his list.“
