Sinner Triumphs Over Zverev to Reclaim the Vienna Title
Italian phenom extends his indoor hard court winning streak to an impressive 21 matches.
October 26, 2025
Christian Bruna/Getty Images
Jannik Sinner outlasts Alexander Zverev to secure the trophy in Vienna.
By Andy West
Jannik Sinner battled through cramps to reaffirm his indoor prowess on Sunday at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.
As the top seed in the ATP 500, Sinner staged a remarkable comeback to beat Alexander Zverev 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, reclaiming the title he previously secured in 2023. Overcoming an impressive start from Zverev, Sinner displayed extraordinary resilience amid physical challenges in the first and third sets, culminating in a gripping two-hour and 29-minute victory that marks his 21st title on tour.
Vienna Virtuoso 🎻🏆 @janniksin defeats Zverev 3-6 6-3 7-5 to clinch his second @ErsteBankOpen crown. #ErsteBankOpen pic.twitter.com/AJEtZ74M7l
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 26, 2025
“It feels absolutely fantastic,” exclaimed Sinner, now on a remarkable 21-match winning streak on indoor surfaces. “The start of this final was incredibly tough for me. I faced a break down and had chances in the first set that I just couldn’t convert. Zverev served exceptionally well, but I focused on maintaining my mental game and playing my best tennis when it counted.”
“The third set was definitely a rollercoaster ride, but I felt solid with the ball at times. I pushed myself really hard and I’m thrilled to secure another title—this one is particularly special.”
Zverev started strong, delivering clean shots from both sides and securing an early break in the fourth game. However, Sinner’s movements became a bit labored, reminiscent of his recent struggles with cramps during the Shanghai tournament. The 2021 Vienna champion, Zverev, comfortably closed the first set, yet Sinner quickly found his groove in the second set.
Just as their climactic third set unfolded, Sinner seemed to struggle with cramping in his left hamstring during the seventh game. In response, he resorted to sipping pickle juice during breaks and ramping up his aggressive play to shorten rallies, keeping the pressure firmly on Zverev.
Watch Zverev’s surprising fortune unfold in the thrilling final moments of the third set:
The Italian clinched a crucial break to lead 6-5 in the third set after an exhausting baseline exchange, forcing Zverev to push a backhand long. Sinner then served out the match, marking his fourth title of the season, leveling their Lexus ATP Head2Head series at 4-4, and joining legends Roger Federer and Andy Murray as the only ATP No. 1s to have won in Vienna twice.
“The third set was indeed challenging,” reflected Sinner on his physical trials. “The key was to never give up and to stay focused on the match situation. Making the right choices at crucial moments was crucial, as well as serving effectively and conserving energy in my service games.”
Throughout his campaign in Austria, Sinner showcased sublime tennis, not dropping a set until the final. With a season record of 48-6—per the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index—the 24-year-old heads to end his 2025 season with confidence, gearing up for the Rolex Paris Masters and Nitto ATP Finals.
Zverev, who recently qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals alongside Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic, was on the hunt for his first win against a Top 5 opponent in 2025. Following his performance in Vienna, Zverev holds third place in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, overtaking Djokovic.
