Jannik Sinner, tied for first but… second? Here’s why

The ATP 500 in Vienna isn’t just up for grabs as a major title; it could also have a direct impact on the top of the world rankings. Among the day’s key players is Alexander Zverev, the tournament’s top seed, who faces Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor with a chance to overtake Jannik Sinner and claim the top spot in the ATP rankings.

For the German, this is a new opportunity following the one that slipped away at the Shanghai Masters 1000, when he had a chance to close in on the top spot but failed to capitalize on it. This time, however, the math is very simple: a victory in the round of 16 could be enough for him to become the new world No. 1.

The live rankings currently show Sinner in the lead with 9,450 points, while Zverev starts at 9,400, trailing by just 50 points. Exactly 50 points are up for grabs for advancing to the quarterfinals of the Austrian tournament. If he beats Griekspoor, the German would tie Sinner at 9,450 points. A tie, however, would not guarantee the Italian would remain in the lead: according to the tiebreaker criteria applied in this situation, the points earned in Grand Slam tournaments, mandatory Masters 1000 events, and the ATP Finals would be taken into account.

In this special ranking, Zverev would lead with 8,360 points to Sinner’s 8,350. A difference of just ten points could decide the top spot in the world rankings, making the match in Vienna a crucial one for the Italian champion as well.