PREVIEW | 2023 Vienna Open with incredibly stacked first round featuring SHELTON v SINNER, MEDVEDEV v FILS AND TSITSIPAS v THIEM
ATP
The Vienna Open also known as Erste Bank Open is the next ATP 500 tournament in what some are calling the most stacked draw of the season so far in Austria. Our preview looks ahead to the tournament and the main talking points.
Top seed is Daniil Medvedev who is defending champion, with Andrey Rublev, Jannik Sinner, Tommy Paul, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Ben Shelton also among those in action.
Stacked first-round draw including many popcorn ties
The reason many are calling out how stacked the draw is due to how many so-called popcorn clashes have been picked out from the line-up in Vienna.
Daniil Medvedev as defending champion for instance will begin his campaign against Arthur Fils, who is in the semi-finals in Antwerp. Even better could be the second tie as the winner faces Lorenzo Musetti or Grigor Dimitrov.
Stefanos Tsitsipas v Dominic Thiem after it didn't happen in Antwerp will happen in Vienna. While in the other side of the draw, Jannik Sinner will return.
Sinner didn't play Antwerp this past week despite initially being on the Entry List, but will likely face Ben Shelton. Likely is the word with that clash being picked out in particular on paper, but may not take place with Shelton in the final in Tokyo so the mad dash to Vienna might not be on the cards.
It is likely then he would face Francisco Cerundolo or Mackenzie McDonald. Other top ties include Frances Tiafoe v Dan Evans and Alexander Zverev could face Cameron Norrie in the second round.
In a section also lurking with Andrey Rublev who opens against Alexei Popyrin. Storylines in the first round and potential huge games in the second round too.
During this week, the tournament director admitted wanting Carlos Alcaraz, but being put off by the huge fee on offer and wanting density in the field and he has more than got that. Who comes out on top? Leave a comment below.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
