Sinner fights back

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 hard courts. The 24-year-old has also notched 22 tour-level titles and 51 career wins against fellow top-10 players.

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 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 counted. Third set was a bit of a roller coaster. I was feeling the ball very well 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.

"I'd like to congratulate Jannik, whose level has been off the charts these last two years," Zverev said. "Currently, for me you're the best player in the world.

"What an amazing year. Four Grand Slam finals and two Grand Slam titles. This week of course, simply the best player here in Vienna."

World No 3 Zverev saved a break point to hold the opening game, before getting a break over Sinner to go 3-1 up in the first set. Zverev won the set 6-3, landing four aces, while Sinner had two, with the 28-year-old German dominating the rallies.

Sinner fought back in the second set, outwitting Zverev with a cross-court dropshot to get his first break, going 2-0 up.

"Yeah, it was very difficult, of course," Sinner said.

Reuters