Sinner, the world’s No. 2 men’s player, first captured the Vienna title in 2023, but he found himself under pressure early after dropping the opening set to Zverev — the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion. It was the first set Sinner had lost all week in Austria, yet it seemed to spark him into action.
The Italian broke early in the second and maintained control to level the match at one set apiece. His movement improved markedly from the first set — when he appeared to limp slightly between points, a reminder of the cramps that forced his retirement in Shanghai earlier this month — and he dictated more rallies from the baseline to take it 6–3.
As the deciding set reached its tense conclusion, Sinner again appeared troubled by cramp in his left leg midway through. Yet he adapted, shortening the points and taking greater initiative. A blend of smart aggression and composure under pressure earned him the decisive break at 6–5, when Zverev sent a backhand long after a gruelling exchange. Moments later, Sinner sealed victory with a crisp service hold to claim his 22nd career title.