With Lucas Miedler and Gerald Melzer, two Austrians made it into the second qualifying round of the Challenger tournament in Mauthausen on Sunday.
Miedler did his job flawlessly against Jelle Sels in the first qualifying round at the Danube Upper Austria Open powered by SKE and gave the Dutchman no chance at 6:3 and 6:3.
Even though the 27-year-old’s focus with Alexander Erler is clearly on the doubles competition, he is very happy about one or two individual matches. In doubles, Erler/Miedler are number one and are the big favorites. Last week, Austria’s flagship doubles reached the semi-finals at the Sardegna Open on the ATP Challenger Tour. The duo wants to top that at home.
“I felt surprisingly good today. We only came from Sardinia late yesterday evening and I only got a quick workout before the game today. It worked really well. I would like to play singles more often, but the ranking doesn’t allow it more so easy. A big thank you to Flo (note: tournament director Florian Leitgeb) for the qualifying wildcard. It gives you a good feeling when you have already played a game before your ‘main discipline’ and have become familiar with the conditions – The main focus is on doubles. We are in Austria and want to be there until the end. You don’t get the chance to play in a tournament like this in your own country. We are looking forward to it and will try to be in the competition on Saturday to be,” reveals Miedler, who will meet the Egyptian Mohamed Safwat on Monday.
Melzer beats Oberleitner
In the last game of the day, Neil Oberleitner and Gerald Melzer dueled for promotion to the second qualifying round. The two Austrians gave each other nothing and ensured a worthy end to the first day of the tournament.
In the end, the 33-year-old Melzer deservedly won 7:5 and 7:5 and will face the German Louis Weßels on Monday. “It wasn’t an easy game today. At the end of the day I played solidly, that was probably the deciding point. I like the tournaments in Austria, I always enjoy playing there. I just really enjoy it. With the start “I’m happy, now the focus is on the game on Monday,” Melzer sums up.
Narrow defeat for Ujvary
Last year, Matthias Ujvary successfully fought his way through qualification and was rewarded with the game against Dominic Thiem on Center Court. The 19-year-old also started 2024 ambitiously and delivered a courageous fight. But in the end the Union Mauthausen player had to admit defeat to the German Mats Rosenkranz in three sets with 6:4, 3:6 and 4:6.
“I started really well. A quick break gave me a lot of self-confidence. It was a duel of equals throughout the entire game. I countered well and tried to actively determine the points. His service often saved him today. I played a good match, but in the end it wasn’t enough. I gained a lot of experience and I’m glad that I was able to play here. The people here do a great job, you have to feel good as a player,” said Ujvary , who will start at a tournament in Villach next week.
What are your goals for the 2024 season?
Already doing ground preparation, being ready for the start of the season in Australia with the best possible ranking to enter directly into all the big tables. Afterwards, it's steps. I will try to have good matches, to accumulate points. I have bigger goals in terms of ambition and ranking.
Does it make you want to compete in the Olympic Games in 2024 in Paris?
Yes of course. The Olympic Games are something exceptional. In Paris, at home… it could be great if it plays out. Afterwards, we will see in due time.
You will have to be in the first 56 in the Olympic Race in June 2024. Is this an achievable goal in your opinion?
It's achievable. It also depends on others and how things go. There are still tournaments left, still points. I focus on myself and work towards my goals.
What would be your message for all those who follow you and support you in your journey?
A big thank you to them. It's always nice to see people who support us and follow us. It gives extra energy on the pitch. A big thank you also to Tennis Actu for this interview and their support.
A message for the young people who watch you and who dream of becoming professional players?
May they continue to work, give the best of themselves, have fun and keep their dreams in mind. You must never give up and always believe in it.
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For his two compatriots Niklas Waldner, who lost to the Croatian Matej Dodig 4:6 and 3:6, and Manuel Lazic after the 3:6 and 2:6 defeat against the German Louis Weßels, it was the end of the line after the first qualifying round.