Exhausted: Ofner was eliminated in the third round of the French Open

In the end, the tank was empty, Sebastian Ofner (ATP No. 45) was almost standing KO. Austria’s tennis number 1, who was plagued by cramps, was still reeling from the two five-set “battles” with the memorable comebacks (after being 0:2 sets behind).

The 28-year-old Styrian had to admit defeat in the third round of the French Open to French local hero Corentin Moutet (No. 79), who was cheered on by more than 10,000 fans on Court Suzanne Lenglen, 6:3, 4:6, 4:6 and 1:6.

Ofner had taken the offensive, shortened the rallies and launched more than 50 net attacks. The match plan seemed to work at first. Ofner led 6:3 and 4:2. But then his strength waned. “I tried everything, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough,” said the tireless fighter, who had the applause on his side at the finish.

When Ofner managed to win the “honor game” in the fourth set to make it 1:5, he let his emotions run wild and took the audience with him. The wave danced through the stadium.

Austria is no longer represented in the singles. Filip Misolic had previously lost in the second round to Francisco Cerundolo (Arg) with 2:6, 6:7 (2), 0:6.