Sinner Battles Past Cobolli to Reach Vienna Quarter-Finals

World number two Jannik Sinner showed grit and composure on Thursday night as he overcame fellow Italian Flavio Cobolli to book his place in the quarter-finals of the Vienna Open. The top seed needed three sets to prevail 6 – 2, 6 – 7 (4), 6 – 3 in a thrilling all-Italian clash that tested both players’ mental and physical resolve.

Sinner started strong, controlling rallies with sharp groundstrokes and precision serving to comfortably take the opening set 6 – 2. He looked in command, not facing a single break point and dictating the pace from the baseline. However, Cobolli raised his level in the second set, forcing longer exchanges and frustrating Sinner’s rhythm. Despite earning four break opportunities, the 23-year-old could not convert any and Cobolli held firm to take the tiebreak 7 – 4, forcing a decider.

The third set saw Sinner regain his focus. He stepped up his aggression, pushing Cobolli deep behind the baseline and capitalizing on key points with strong forehand winners. Showing no signs of the cramps that had forced him to retire earlier this month in Shanghai, Sinner sealed victory with confidence and composure.

After the match, Sinner praised his opponent’s performance. “He’s a great talent and competitor. We both played some great tennis at times,” said the four-time Grand Slam champion. “I had chances in the second but couldn’t take them. That’s tennis. I just tried to stay calm and keep a strong mentality. I’m really happy with how I played today.”

With the win, Sinner advances to face eighth seed Alexander Bublik in the quarter-finals. Bublik reached the last eight with an impressive 6 – 4, 6 – 2 victory over Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo.

Elsewhere, second seed Alexander Zverev also cruised into the quarter-finals, setting up a meeting with Tallon Griekspoor, while France’s Corentin Moutet stunned Daniil Medvedev 7 – 6 (3), 6 – 4, earning quick revenge after losing to the Russian in last weekend’s Almaty final.

Sinner’s latest triumph keeps his strong season alive and reaffirms his status as one of the tour’s most consistent and resilient players heading into the final stretch of the year.