Sinner Secures Swift Victory at Erste Bank Open

Post by : Mara Rahim

Jannik Sinner commenced his Erste Bank Open journey with a dominant win against Daniel Altmaier, clinching the match in just 58 minutes with a score of 6-0, 6-2. The 24-year-old Italian, who took home the Vienna championship last year, showcased exceptional skill, hitting 19 winners and only seven unforced errors while not facing a single break point. This victory marks Sinner's quickest match win of the 2025 season and adds to his impressive 17-match indoor hard court winning streak.

From the outset, Sinner's prowess was unmistakable; his heavy ball-striking and relentless pace left Altmaier struggling. “In the first set, I felt everything was working perfectly,” Sinner remarked. “On indoor courts, it’s crucial to stay alert. When your opponent serves well, breaking them becomes challenging. I’m thrilled with today’s performance, not just in terms of the game but also how I felt overall.”

Previously, Sinner’s fastest win this year was against Daniel Elahi Galan in 59 minutes in Cincinnati. His flawless performance against Altmaier underscored his meticulous preparation and focus, giving him a promising start at the ATP 500 event in Vienna.

Next up for Sinner is a match against compatriot Flavio Cobolli, who triumphed over Tomas Machac with a score of 7-6(6), 6-2 in his opening bout. This upcoming match promises to showcase an exciting contest between the two Italian players, both striving to progress further in the tournament.

Other leading competitors also showed strong performances on opening day. Daniil Medvedev, fresh off his victory in Almaty, overcame Nuno Borges with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-7(7), 6-2 in his Vienna debut. Despite facing two match points in the second-set tiebreak, Medvedev bounced back to maintain his path toward qualification for the Nitto ATP Finals. He is set to meet Corentin Moutet in a compelling rematch from their Almaty final.

Matteo Berrettini similarly advanced after defeating Alexei Popyrin 7-6(5), 6-3. Berrettini aims for his fourth consecutive quarter-final in Vienna and may face Cameron Norrie next. Meanwhile, third seed Alex de Minaur showcased his form with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Austrian wildcard Filip Misolic, continuing his pursuit for a second ATP 500 title this year.

Tallon Griekspoor has already reached the quarter-finals with a narrow 7-6(4), 7-6(2) victory against Brandon Nakashima, awaiting the winner of the match between second-seed Alexander Zverev and qualifier Matteo Arnaldi, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters.

With exceptional performances from top players, the Erste Bank Open has kicked off, highlighting the competitive landscape and Jannik Sinner’s impressive form as he seeks to defend his title. The opening day promises an exhilarating array of matches ahead.