Sinner survives cramp to edge Zverev in Vienna thriller, extends indoor streak to 21
World No. 2 Jannik Sinner overcame a stern challenge from Alexander Zverev and a worrying physical struggle to win his second Erste Bank Open title on Sunday (3-6, 6-3, 7-5).
Jannik Sinner holding the trophy of the Vienna Open, 2025 | © Gepa / PsNewz
Jannik Sinner cemented his dominance on indoor hard courts and etched his name into the Erste Bank Open history books on Sunday, defeating rival Alexander Zverev in a gruelling final that tested the Italian’s physical and mental resilience over two hours and 29 minutes (3-6, 6-3, 7-5).
The top seed, who had not dropped a set en route to the final, looked vulnerable early on against the 2021 champion Zverev, who came out firing, determined to secure his 25th career title and snap Sinner’s two-match winning streak against him, which included the high-stakes Australian Open final earlier this year.
Zverev, who had excelled all week with a first-serve percentage hovering around 73 per cent, was relentless in the opening set. The German secured an early break in the fourth game. Worryingly for the capacity crowd, Sinner appeared to be struggling physically soon after, moving gingerly between points in the 3-1 deficit. Zverev capitalised on the sluggishness, maintaining a high level of ball striking off both wings to close out the first set 6-3, delivering an early statement.
Sinner’s world-class adaptability
The second set, however, saw Sinner, now 48-6 for the season, demonstrate the world-class adaptability and sheer willpower that have propelled him to the World No. 2 ranking. Shaking off the initial discomfort, Sinner moved closer to the baseline and upped the aggression, targeting Zverev’s second serve where he had recorded a 54 per cent return points won through the week. He secured an immediate break and found his rhythm on serve, holding comfortably to take the set 6-3, drawing the match level.
The deciding third set quickly became an instant classic, marked by dramatic shifts in momentum and alarming physical drama. As the tension mounted, Sinner once again showed signs of cramping in his left hamstring around the middle of the set. Employing a mix of rapid-fire winners and strategic use of pickle juice during changeovers, the Italian leaned into a high-risk, high-reward strategy designed to shorten the gruelling baseline exchanges.
The set’s climax arrived at 5-5. In a lung-busting, 18-shot rally that defined the match’s narrative, Sinner refused to yield, forcing Zverev to push a backhand long. The decisive break put Sinner up 6-5. Stepping up to serve for the championship, the 24-year-old closed out the final with commanding authority, sealing the 7-5 victory and marking his fourth title of the season.
Now The Rolex Paris Masters, except if…
The win levels their Head2Head rivalry at 4-4 and ensures Sinner becomes the ninth man and only active player to win multiple Vienna titles, joining a list that includes legends like Roger Federer and Andy Murray. It’s also his 22nd title in carer and 4th this year.
For Zverev, the runner-up finish secures his qualification for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin and moves him up to third in the Live Race, a significant achievement despite the heartbreak of falling short in the final. Both men now head to the Rolex Paris Masters. Unless Sinner decides to withdraw like he did last year to prepare the ATP Finals on his home soil the best way possible…
