Vienna – The eve of the final of the Vienna Open 2025 turned into a real media earthquake after a fiery press conference between Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner. The atmosphere, initially calm and professional, suddenly exploded when the German tennis player launched a series of direct provocations at his Italian opponent, leaving everyone speechless.
During the meeting with journalists, Zverev, with an ironic smile and a contemptuous tone, defined Sinner as “the shame of Italy”, adding that he would have “humiliated him in the final in front of the whole world”. His words caused a cold silence in the press room: even the experts, accustomed to pre-match tensions, were shocked by the level of provocation.
Some reporters present described Sinner’s expression as “that of a man who doesn’t let himself be affected”. The blue didn’t raise his voice, he didn’t show anger. He simply smiled calmly, looking at his opponent for a few seconds, before responding with a sentence that completely changed the tone of the conference: “Words end tomorrow. I only talk with the racket.”
That answer, simple but sharp, provoked an immediate reaction. First a brief silence of amazement, then a long applause that filled the room. Even some German journalists, visibly surprised, recognized the composure and maturity of the young Italian champion.
The episode immediately went around the world. On social networks, the video of the conference accumulated millions of views in just a few hours. The hashtag#SinnerVsZverevit became a global trending topic, with thousands of comments from fans and colleagues who sided with the South Tyrolean tennis player. Many called him “an example of elegance and self-control”, while others criticized Zverev for his aggressive and unsporting attitude.
According to sources close to the German team, Zverev wanted to “put pressure” on Sinner and create psychological tension before the match. However, the strategy seems to have had the opposite effect: Sinner’s calm and respectful attitude won over public opinion, transforming him into a symbol of fair play and mental strength.
On the Italian side, Sinner’s coach declared that his player “will not be distracted by those who talk too much”. Former tennis legend Adriano Panatta also commented on the episode: “Sinner responded like a true champion. He made it clear that greatness is not measured with words, but with what you do on the court.”
Meanwhile, the tension between the two protagonists continues to grow. Zverev’s fans defend him, claiming his words were “misunderstood” and that the German only wanted to ignite the rivalry. However, most of the public considers Zverev’s behavior excessive, especially in a tournament that has always represented elegance and respect among players.
A few hours before the final, the climate is scorching. The organizers of the Vienna Open had to increase security measures, anticipating a record attendance and unprecedented media coverage. Tickets for the final act of the tournament sold out less than twenty minutes after the press conference, a sign of the enormous attention surrounding this match.
Sinner, for his part, continued his preparation in silence, training with concentration and serenity. In an exclusive interview released later, he declared: “I don’t play to prove something to someone. I play for myself, for those who support me and for the love of this sport.”
The final between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev is no longer just a battle for an ATP title: it has become a symbolic duel between two visions of tennis. On the one hand, impetuosity and provocation; on the other, respect and inner calm. The whole world is ready to witness a match that promises to go down in history, not only for its technical level, but for the emotional intensity that precedes it.
When the two take the field at the Wiener Stadthalle, the eyes of millions of fans will be on them. One thing is certain: after that press conference, the 2025 Vienna Open final will be remembered as one of the most tense and proud in the recent history of tennis.
