Amid criticism, Sinner stays silent and dominates

Andrés Tomás Rico | 22 Oct 2025 | 19.22

Faced with criticism, Sinner keeps quiet and dominates. Photo: Getty Images

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Jannik Sinner just wants to talk on the tennis court. The world number two found himself in the eye of the storm since Monday when his decision to withdraw from the Davis Cup Finals became known. Since that day, it's been all noise and more noise, but he responds in the best way he knows: by playing tennis. This was evident in his first match at the ATP Vienna, where he left no chance for Daniel Altmaier, whom he defeated 6-0, 6-2, in another one of those matches where the San Candido native soared on the court.

In his first appearance after his 'betrayal' to Italy, Jannik Sinner stepped onto the central court of the ATP Vienna aiming to escape from everything that had happened in the last 48 hours. Controversies aside, the world number two arrived in Austria after claiming his second title at the Six Kings Slam and exhibiting great form after defeating Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.

Jannik Sinner was a whirlwind from start to finish in his ATP Vienna debut

Sinner wanted to enjoy on the court and thus escape from what he had experienced these days. Altmaier felt directly the intensity and fury as he saw the Italian quickly take a 4-0 lead with two breaks in less than fifteen minutes.

It was a swift start and a clear statement: 'I speak on the court,' implied the San Candido native, perhaps hurt by all the criticism received from those who used to adore him and now, unjustly perhaps, turn against him. Maybe it's also due to his strong commitment to fight to the end for the world number one spot, although it seems very difficult to dethrone Carlos Alcaraz in the remaining season.

An exhibition set lasting 23 minutes

The punishment was clearly being felt by Altmaier, who could do little despite the Viennese crowd cheering him on against this tennis force of nature. Sinner was not there for games or to expend unnecessary energy, and in 23 minutes, he secured the first set with a resounding 6-0. Even more impressive was the fact that the Italian only lost six points in this set.

It's worth noting that the conditions on indoor hard courts are most suitable for Jannik Sinner's style of play, suffocating Altmaier on every shot. The German had to try something different if he didn't want to face a memorable defeat, so he approached the net more often to surprise the Italian.

By doing so, Altmaier claimed the first game of the second set, his first in the entire match, and shouted in relief, aware of the frustration that comes with facing one of the top two tennis players in the world when they are in top form. Those who once suffered from Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic's displays now endure the punishments from Alcaraz and Sinner. New times, but same styles.

The question on everyone's mind wasn't when Sinner would break Altmaier's serve but how many minutes the second set would last, as the Italian did break in the third game and regained a lead that everyone knew was decisive.

The end of the duel was akin to a foregone conclusion: a merciless Jannik Sinner and a Daniel Altmaier who accepted his fate with sportsmanship. When the Italian, enraged by the criticism of a decision that has stirred his country, plays at this level, only a fellow player can challenge him. And a compatriot of his, Flavio Cobolli, who will indeed be in the Davis Cup final, will be the next to endure the ordeal.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ante las críticas, Sinner calla y arrasa