Jannik Sinner Advances at Erste Bank Open with Win Over Cobolli

VIENNA, Austria — Jannik Sinner maintained his perfect record against fellow Italians on Thursday, defeating Matteo Cobolli in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6(4), in the round of 16 at the Erste Bank Open. The victory improved Sinner’s record against countrymen to 17-0.

Sinner, the top seed and reigning champion of the tournament, showcased his skill after a strong opening set. He didn’t face a break point in the first set and played aggressively throughout, hitting deep shots to challenge Cobolli, a rising talent.

Reflecting on the match, Sinner said, “He has been playing an incredible season and has been improving week after week. I was looking forward to this match. He is a great talent and a great competitor. We both played some great tennis at times.”

Despite his dominant performance in the first set, Sinner faced difficulties in the second, struggling to capitalize on four break points. He credited his mindset for the win, saying, “I tried to stay in the moment and play with a great mentality.”

The match lasted one hour and 48 minutes, with Cobolli pushing Sinner in the second set. However, Sinner maintained composure, taking control in the tie-break after Cobolli committed a costly double fault.

Sinner, who previously won the Erste Bank Open in 2023, now prepares for the quarter-finals where he will face Alexander Bublik. In their head-to-head, Sinner leads 5-2, despite losing to Bublik earlier this year in Halle.