Viennas First Bank Opens Niavarani Treats Rodionov to Thrilling de Minaur Duel

Jurij Rodionov and Filip Misolic are set to compete in the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, with their first-round opponents officially announced. Rodionov will face Australian ace Alex de Minaur, while Misolic will go up against Argentine player Camilo Ugo Carabelli. The tournament kicks off on October 20, 2025, with matches taking place at the new venue, Marx Halle.
Rodionov Faces Tough Challenge
Rodionov’s draw has been deemed particularly difficult. During the draw ceremony, comedian Michael Niavarani pulled a challenging opponent for him: de Minaur, the tournament’s third-seed and world number seven. Rodionov, however, is optimistic despite being seen as the underdog. He previously triumphed over de Minaur in their only match four years ago in Stuttgart.
“It will be an interesting match. De Minaur on a fast indoor hard court is probably not pleasant,” Rodionov commented, reflecting on the challenge ahead.
Misolic’s Quest for Redemption
Filip Misolic, Austria’s top-ranked player, is experiencing a tough spell with five consecutive losses. He announced his intentions for the upcoming match, stating, “It’s definitely a good draw when you see the names in the draw. But it won’t be an easy match either.” Misolic previously faced Carabelli twice this year, holding a 2:1 record across those encounters.
- Tournament Details: Erste Bank Open, Vienna
- Date: Begins October 20, 2025
- Location: Marx Halle
Other Notable Matches
Top tennis talents feature prominently in the tournament. Jannik Sinner is matched against Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, while former Vienna champion Alexander Zverev benefits from a favorable draw, as all qualifiers are positioned above him in the bracket. Should both Rodionov and Misolic advance, a potential second-round clash would be particularly exciting for local fans.
As excitement builds for the Erste Bank Open, Rodionov and Misolic look to overcome their initial hurdles and make their mark in front of a home crowd. The tournament atmosphere is already palpable at Marx Halle, promising an exhilarating experience for players and fans alike.