Vienna Open First Round: Medvedev Extends Winning Streak, Berrettini Dominates
First-Round Victories Fuel Momentum at Vienna Open
Day One Highlights: Setting the Stage for the Next Round
The inaugural day of the ATP 500 Vienna Open has concluded, with the majority of athletes qualifying for the second stage already decided. Anticipation now builds for Jannik Sinner's upcoming inaugural match in the evening session, marking the full transition to the next phase of the tournament.
Cobolli's Commanding Performance Over Machac
Flavio Cobolli, ranked 22nd, achieved a significant victory over Czech player Tomáš Macháč, ranked 31st, during his first appearance at the Vienna Open. After a challenging series of matches in Asia, where he had a 2-3 record against lower-ranked competitors, Cobolli made a strong comeback on the European circuit. Despite facing several set points in a closely contested first set, he secured it in a tie-break. Following this, he asserted his dominance to win the match with scores of 7-6(8-6), 6-2, in a match lasting one hour and forty minutes.
Cobolli maintained exceptional focus on his serve throughout the encounter, achieving a 63% first-serve accuracy and winning 84% of those points. In contrast, Macháč's figures were 68% and 75% respectively. A decisive factor was the difference in break opportunities: Macháč failed to secure any, while Cobolli capitalized on two of his eight chances. This performance propelled the Italian smoothly into the second round, where he might face Jannik Sinner, provided Sinner triumphs over Daniel Altmaier in his debut match.
Berrettini's Resurgent Form in Straight-Set Victory
Matteo Berrettini, currently ranked 59th, continues to demonstrate his return to peak physical condition and secured another triumph on the tour. After a season heavily impacted by injuries, which saw him participate in only one tournament between May and September (a first-round exit at Wimbledon), Berrettini returned during the Asian swing. His aim was to accumulate points and wins as the season drew to a close, despite not yet reaching his optimal performance level.
Returning to indoor hardcourts, Berrettini delivered an immaculate serving performance in his Vienna debut. He triumphed over Alexei Popyrin, the 2024 Canadian Open champion ranked 48th, with scores of 7-6(5), 6-3. This victory sets up a second-round match against Cameron Norrie. The Italian, a Wimbledon finalist in 2021, maintained a strong service game throughout the contest, winning 78% of his service points compared to Popyrin's 67%. Berrettini successfully fended off the only break point against him, while converting two out of four break opportunities.
Medvedev's Gritty Win After Securing Match Points
Daniil Medvedev, ranked 14th, battled to a hard-fought victory against Nuno Borges, ranked 47th, with scores of 6-4, 6-7(7-9), 6-2. This win marks a successful continuation of his momentum after claiming the Almaty Open title the previous week. The Russian player had ended a two-and-a-half-year title drought in Kazakhstan, triumphing over Corentin Moutet in a tense three-set final.
Medvedev swiftly traveled back to Europe, aiming to prolong his winning streak and with aspirations of re-entering the Top-10 before the season concludes. The former US Open champion endured a two-and-a-half-hour contest to overcome his Portuguese opponent. Medvedev served 17 aces and won 82% of his first-serve points. He also converted three of his eight break point opportunities, while Borges was unable to capitalize on any of his four chances. Medvedev secured the first set with a single break. In the second set, he missed two match points, allowing Borges to take the set. However, Medvedev asserted control in the final set, securing an early double break and ultimately clinching the victory. This win advances him to the second round, where he will once again face Corentin Moutet, in a rematch of their recent Almaty final. The former World No. 1 is now on a six-match winning streak, and a strong performance in Vienna could help him return to the Top-10 or even strengthen his bid for the ATP Finals if he also performs well at the Paris Masters next week.