Alexander Zverev concluded his Vienna Open 2025 campaign with an emotional runner-up speech after losing to Jannik Sinner in the final. The German, who fought through a strong week to reach the title match, used his post-match remarks to reflect on both his opponent’s remarkable season and his own progress in recent months.
The 3-time Grand Slam runner-up was playing the 40th final of his career and started with a surprise by taking the first set in his favor and leading the score 6-3. However, Sinner would react, and despite presenting physical issues, he managed to turn the match around and take the victory 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, to win his 4th title of the season.
Speaking to the crowd at the Wiener Stadthalle, Zverev did not hold back when describing what it feels like to face Sinner in his current form. “First of all, I would like to start with a very unpleasant topic,” he said with a smile. “Jannik, you are giving the players such a hard time. You have been doing that for the last two years. I have to congratulate you, Jannik, whose level has been off the charts for these last two years. Currently, for me, you are the best player in the world.”
The world No. 3 continued his tribute by underlining just how consistent Sinner has been at the highest level. “What an amazing year you’ve had — all four Grand Slam finals you have reached. And this week, of course, simply the best player here in Vienna,” he added. His words were met with loud applause from the Austrian crowd, who have embraced Sinner as one of the sport’s most entertaining figures.
He then turned to acknowledge the Italian’s team, who have accompanied Sinner on his rise. “To the team, of course, very well done,” Zverev said. “The last couple of years have been amazing, and you continue improving. I know Jannik is the biggest part of it, but you guys have such a big part in it as well. The improvement that you guys made — it’s amazing to see, so well done and good luck.”
“It hasn’t always been easy, but we’re slowly finding our way back”
After honouring his opponent, Zverev addressed his own journey and the work of those around him. “Of course, a lot of hard work has been done by my team as well,” he noted. “Especially in the last few months, when it comes to physical work. It wasn’t always easy, but we are slowly finding our way back. It’s been a really positive week, even though we lost. Thank you very much to everyone in my team.”
Zverev also made sure to acknowledge those behind the scenes at the tournament. “To you three, who make this tournament possible — one of the best tournaments in the world,” he said to the organisers. “We travel so far and wide, and it’s always a pleasure to come back to Vienna. I hope I’ll be able to get my papers in to come back next year.”
Finally, he turned to the spectators who had supported him throughout the week. “And to you — the public, the crowd, the spectators for coming along — thank you so much,” Zverev said. “The atmosphere was, and has been all week, unbelievable. It’s been a real pleasure playing in front of you. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done and for all your support.”
Sinner and Zverev still have a couple of commitments before ending the season. They will travel to the Paris Masters, which starts this week, where they will once again share the draw as the second and third seeds of the tournament. The German is the defending champion, while Sinner was absent from Paris in 2024. Once the tournament is over, both will prepare for their participation in the ATP Finals, which will be held in mid-November.
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