Erste Bank Open: Tennis Superstar Sinner to Participate in Vienna Stadthalle Tournament

Jannik Sinner is the flagship of the participant field at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna this October. At a press conference on Monday, tournament director Herwig Straka announced the participation of the tennis superstar from Italy.

Wiener Stadthalle Tournament: Sinner Looks Forward to "Very Special Tournament"

The announcement came just a few hours after Sinner lost in the final of the US Open in New York in four sets against Carlos Alcaraz. "It is a very special tournament," said Sinner, who won the tournament in the Stadthalle in 2023, in a video message. "I am very sorry that I cannot be with you today, but I am pleased to inform you that I will be able to play again in the Stadthalle in October," Sinner explained. "I like the city and, of course, the tournament as well. I have very fond memories." Straka said he had been working for months to secure the current world number two. He knows Sinner very well, but it was only in the previous week that the Styrian managed to convince the South Tyrolean. The amount of the appearance fee for Sinner is known only to him, the player, and his manager. "It costs a lot of money, of course, but I see it as an investment in the future."

Once Again High-Class Field at Wiener Stadthalle Tournament

With Sinner, who will grace the Stadthalle for the sixth time, at least six of the current top ten players will participate in the ATP 500 tournament. Alexander Zverev (GER/No. 3), last year's winner Jack Draper (GBR/7), Alex de Minaur (AUS/8), Lorenzo Musetti (ITA/9), and Karen Khachanov (RUS/10) have also confirmed their participation. Andrey Rublev (RUS/14), Tommy Paul (USA/15), Daniil Medvedev (RUS/18), and Frances Tiafoe (USA/29) are other attractions. "It is not always easy to assemble this field in competition with other tournaments," said Straka. But Vienna has built a good reputation over the years. However, almost nothing surpasses Sinner. Straka: "Keeping it a secret was not easy. I only told two or three of my employees." Sinner's considerations also include the duel for the number one spot with Alcaraz. The Spaniard, according to Straka, is unlikely to play in the Vienna week (October 18 to 26), which would open up an opportunity for Sinner.

Only Remaining Tickets Available for Wiener Stadthalle Tournament

Sinner will play his first match in the Stadthalle on Wednesday, October 22. Those who do not yet have tickets should hurry. "From Thursday to Sunday, we are more or less full, and there is nothing left for Friday and Saturday," said Straka. "On Tuesday and Wednesday, we are now at about 7,000." As local favorites, the two Styrians Sebastian Ofner and Filip Misolic will participate via wildcard. "For me, it is always a highlight to play at the Erste Bank Open," said Ofner, who is currently taking a break due to wrist problems. "Vienna is an outstanding tournament, incredibly well-attended every year." The question of the tournament winner is only theoretical for Ofner this year. "He (Sinner; note) needs the points, he will be fully focused. And I believe that at the moment, no one except Alcaraz can beat him."

Marx Halle Also Hosts World-Class Wheelchair Tennis

With the Marx Halle, which serves as a new second match location, the development of the tournament continues. Of the three tennis courts set up there, two will be used as match courts and one for training purposes. Fans can get very close to the stars there. At the location in the third district of Vienna, not only will the ATP tournament be partially held, but also a wheelchair tennis event with highly decorated stars of the scene. In addition to Austria's figurehead Nico Langmann, Alfie Hewett (GBR/No. 2 in the world rankings), Martin De La Puente (ESP/3), and Gordon Reid (GBR/5) have also announced their participation. The final of the invitational tournament will take place in the Stadthalle. "For me personally, it is a childhood dream come true to be a big part of this tennis history," said Langmann. "It shows how forward-thinking this tournament is and how it is committed to inclusion." Vienna's sports councilor Peter Hacker: "The Marx Halle as a whole will become a real space of emotions."

(APA/Red)

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