Sinner battles back to down Zverev and claim Vienna Open crown

Italian ace extends indoor winning streak to 21 matches

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Pearl Josephine Nazare

Jannik Sinner celebrates beating Alexander Zverev. Picture: Reuters/Lisa Leutner (Lisa Leutner)

Bengaluru — Italian top seed Jannik Sinner produced a spirited comeback to defeat Germany’s Alexander Zverev 3-6 6-3 7-5 in the Vienna Open final on Sunday, securing his fourth ATP Tour title of the season and his second triumph in Austria’s capital.

Sinner, who beat Zverev in straight sets at this year’s Australian Open, has now won 21 consecutive matches on indoor hardcourts. The 24-year-old has also notched 22 tour-level titles and 51 career wins against fellow top-10 players.

Alexander Zverev of Germany returns to Alex De Minaur of Australia during their quarterfinal at Roland Garros on June 5, 2024 in Paris
Alexander Zverev of Germany. Picture: Christian Liewig/Corbis/Getty Images (Christian Liewig/Corbis/Getty Images)

The world No 2 banged down 11 aces and unleashed 44 winners in a thrilling contest that lasted two hours and 28 minutes.

“It feels amazing,” Sinner said. “It was such a difficult start in the final for me. Down for a break…. I had some chances in the first set but couldn’t use them. He was serving very well.

”I tried to stick there mentally. Trying to play my best tennis when it counts. The third set was a bit of a roller coaster. I was feeling very well on the ball at times. I tried to push.

“Very happy to win another title. It’s very special.“

The win also allowed the four-time Grand Slam champion to level his head-to-head record against Zverev at four wins apiece.

Reuters