Dennis Novak (28), currently 155th Austria’s number two in the world tennis rankings behind Jurij Rodionov (150th), is only one win away from setting his best Grand Slam tournament result. In 2018, the Wiener Neustadter reached the 3rd round in Wimbledon, four years later he can do it again.
Novak celebrated a run and, including qualification, four successes en suite on the “holy lawn”. This series can definitely be continued. Because after the 7: 6 (7), 2: 6, 6: 4, 6: 3 over Facundo Bagnis (Arg) on Tuesday shortly before nightfall, there is a hurdle that can be jumped today.
Duel with a good friend
The Australian Jason Kubler (29) also fought his way through the mills of elimination. For Novak, the world ranking is 99. anything but a blank slate. The two have known each other since they were teenagers. “We get along extremely well,” reported the red-white-red Davis Cup player, who has won the only duel on the 2019 Challenger Tour to date – 7: 6 (5), 6: 3 in Ilkley on lawn.
The hope for the next sense of achievement garnished with additional income is intact. Novak has already earned the equivalent of 90,000 euros gross at Wimbledon this year, a win would increase the bonus to 139,000. “I’m not playing for the money now, but of course it’s a nice aftertaste. I have a family at home, so something has to come home,” said the Lower Austrian and revealed that he will become a father for the second time in September. It will be a boy again. In August 2021, long-term girlfriend Ingela gave birth to little Konstantin.
Novak is not only doing well privately, the return to coach Günter Bresnik is also bearing fruit. “A lot has changed since I’ve been with him. That was definitely the right step.” More are to follow. “I think I’m capable of the top 30.” Of course, it’s a rocky road to get there. Novak does not always call up his strong training performance in match situations. Against Bagnis he made life difficult for himself with 14 missed break opportunities.
Serena Williams, the fighter
Serena Williams also mourned her chances. The 23-time Grand Slam triumphant and longtime number 1 gave up a 4-0 lead against Harmony Tan (Fra/WRL No. 115) in the all-important tie-break and was eliminated. But the 40-year-old American is not thinking about retiring. “I’m looking forward to the US Open. It’s definitely a motivation to get better.” Defending champion Novak Djokovic (Srb), who is in round three after a 6: 1, 6: 4, 6: 2 over Thanasi Kokkinakis (Aus), is in great shape (and corona-free).
Wimbledon 2022
Women, 1st round: Cori Gauff (USA/11) – Elena Ruse (Ro) 2: 6, 6: 3, 7: 5, Simona Halep (Ro/16) – Karolina Muchova (Cze) 6: 3, 6: 2, Yelena Rybakina (Kaz/17) – Coco Vandeweghe (USA) 7: 6 (2), 7: 5, Amanda Anisimova (USA/20) – Yuan Yue (CHN) 6: 3, 6: 4, Magdalena Frech ( Pol) – Camila Giorgi (Ita/21) 7: 6 (4), 6: 1, Harmony Tan (Fra) – Serena Williams (USA) 7: 5, 1: 6, 7: 6 (10: 7). 2nd round: Karolina Pliskova (Cze/6) – Tereza Martincova (Cze) 7:6 (1), 7:5, Jelena Ostapenko (Lat/12) – Yanina Wickmayer (Bel) 6:2, 6:2.
Men, 1st round: Dennis Novak (Ö) – Facundo Bagnis (Arg) 7: 6 (7), 2: 6, 6: 4, 6: 3, Rafael Nadal (Esp/2) – Francisco Cerundolo (Arg) 6 : 4, 6: 3, 3: 6, 6: 4, Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre/4) – Alexander Ritschard (Sui) 7: 6 (1), 6: 3, 5: 7, 6: 4, Maxime Cressy ( USA) – Felix Auger-Aliassime (Can/) 6: 7 (5), 6: 4, 7: 6 (9), 7: 6 (5), Taylor Fritz (USA/11) – Lorenzo Musetti (Ita) 6 :4, 6:4, 6:3, Diego Schwartzman (Arg/12) – Stefan Kozlov (USA) 6:3, 6:2, 6:2, Denis Shapovalov (Can/13) – Arthur Rinderknech (Fra) 6 1, 6: 7 (6), 6: 7 (4), 6: 4, 6: 1, Botic van de Zandschulp (Ned/21) – Feliciano Lopez (Esp) 6: 2, 6: 3, 6: 3, Marcos Giron (USA) – Holger Rune (Den/24) 6: 3, 7: 5, 6: 4. 2nd round: Novak Djokovic (Srb/1) – Thanasi Kokkinakis (Aus) 6: 1, 6: 4, 6: 2, Ugo Humbert (Fra) – Casper Ruud (Nor/3) 3: 6, 6: 2, 7: 5, 6: 4, Frances Tiafoe (USA/23) – Maximilian Marterer (D) 6: 2, 6: 2, 7: 6 (3), Miomir Kecmanovic (Srb/25) – Alejandro Tabilo (Chi) 7 :6 (4), 7:6 (4), 3:6, 6:3, Oscar Otte (D/32) – Christian Harrison (USA) 3:1 surrender Harrison.
Source: Nachrichten
