Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner had an unexpected reunion — not on a tennis court, but in the sky. The two stars crossed paths while flying out to unwind after the end of the 2025 tennis season. A photo capturing the surprise moment quickly circulated online, drawing amused reactions from fans who loved seeing the rivals share a more relaxed, off-court moment.

Sinner was most recently in action at the ATP Finals, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the final to defend his title at the event. Meanwhile, Zverev led Team Germany in the Davis Cup Finals. Although the World No. 3 secured a crucial win over Jaume Munar, Germany ultimately lost to eventual runners-up Spain in the semifinals.

Having wrapped up their seasons, both Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev chose the Maldives as their retreat destination for a well-earned break. In a surprising twist, the two ended up on the same flight — a coincidence that led to an unexpected reunion high above the clouds. The pair snapped a photo together to mark the moment, giving fans an amusing off-season crossover they didn’t see coming.

Given that Zverev suffered four tough losses to Sinner this season — including the Australian Open final — fans couldn’t resist turning the moment into a meme. Many joked that the German looked completely “tired” of running into his rival, even off the court, adding a playful layer to the already viral photo..

“I guess it’s Maldives season for everyone hu? 😂😂,” Zverev posted on his Instagram story.

Meanwhile, others shifted the joke toward a different trend — the Maldives’ apparent status as tennis players’ unofficial off-season headquarters. Fans pointed out that the destination has become almost a tradition among the sport’s elite.“Are tennis players aware that other holiday locations are available?” one fan quipped, summing up the internet’s collective amusement..

In addition to Sinner and Zverev, several other big names also chose the Maldives as their post-season escape. Aryna Sabalenka, Daniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa, and Jelena Ostapenko were among those who headed to the tropical paradise to recharge after a long and demanding year on tour — further fueling the lighthearted debate that the Maldives has officially become tennis players’ favorite off-season hotspot.

“100% of them are there for free” – Sam Querrey explains why players like Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev flock to the Maldives

In a recent episode of the Nothing Major podcast, former American player Sam Querrey shared insight into why so many tennis stars — including Sinner, Zverev, and Sabalenka — opted for the Maldives as their off-season getaway. According to Querrey, the destination offers exactly what players need after months of nonstop travel and pressure: privacy, luxury, warm weather, and complete mental switch-off from the tour grind..

“I would say 90% of them, maybe 100% of them, are there for free.. You get these deals from the hotels. So they’re there, they get a free night or, excuse me, a free room for let’s say five nights, all expenses paid, and they probably have to do a one-hour tennis clinic a day at whatever said resort they’re at,” Querrey said.