The Maldives has become a favored destination for ATP stars seeking rest after grueling months on tour. On November 23, 2025, Alexander Zverev posted a lighthearted Instagram story showing himself seated next to Jannik Sinner on a plane bound for the islands. Both players, ranked in the world’s top three, were smiling, ready to recharge after a demanding season.
Zverev captioned the moment with humor: “I guess it’s Maldives season for everyone huh? 😂😂” — Alexander Zverev.
A Season of Contrasts
Sinner concluded his year in dominant fashion, winning four of his last five tournaments and successfully defending his ATP Finals crown in Turin. His rise to world number two has been marked by consistency and resilience. Zverev, meanwhile, capped his season by leading Germany to the Davis Cup semi-finals, underscoring his role as a cornerstone of his national team.
Their paths crossed repeatedly in 2025, most notably in the Australian Open final, where Sinner defeated Zverev in straight sets to retain his title.
Rivals Who Can’t Escape Each Other
The flight encounter is symbolic of their year-long rivalry. Sinner has had the upper hand in recent matches, including victories at the ATP Finals in Turin. Yet, despite fierce battles on court, the off-season brings moments of camaraderie. Sharing a plane to the Maldives illustrates how the tennis circuit often keeps its stars in close orbit, even when competition pauses.
The Maldives Tradition
For tennis professionals, the Maldives has become a recurring off-season retreat. Daniil Medvedev, Tallon Griekspoor, and other players have already been spotted vacationing there this year. The islands offer a rare chance to disconnect from the intensity of the tour, though as Zverev’s playful post shows, even paradise cannot fully separate rivals who have spent the season challenging each other.
Alexander Zverev in 2025
Now the world no.3, the German played his last match on the 22nd
of November when he beat world no.36 Jaume Antoni Munar Clar 7-6(2) 7-6(5) in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).Currently, during this season Alexander has managed to achieve a compiled 57-25 win-loss record. The German clinched 1 title in Munich. Alexander reached the final at the Australian Open, Stuttgart and Vienna.
Jannik Sinner in 2025
Now ranked no.2, the Italian played his last match on the 16th of November when he beat world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(4) 7-5 in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals to win his 25th career title.
This season Sinner owns a compiled 58-6 record. Jannik clinched 6 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, Beijing, Vienna, Paris and the Nitto ATP Finals. Jannik got to the final in Rome, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.
Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner clashed against each other 10 times. Their record is 6-4 for Sinner.