Image: APA/Eva Manhart
This is how Austria’s favorite tennis Davis Cup team had never imagined the start of the World Group I duel with Portugal in Schwechat, even in their wildest nightmares. After the first day, Jürgen Melzer’s team has their backs against the wall with a score of 0:2 in the absence of former US Open champion Dominic Thiem, who is recovering from a severe stomach infection.
After Jurij Rodionov (WRL No. 109/pictured) was defeated by Nuno Borges (No. 89) 6:7 (4), 6:3, 3:6 in front of 1,600 fans on the hard court in the Multiversum, Sebastian Ofner (No. 59) against Joao Sousa (No. 289) a match point and lost 7:5, 3:6, 6:7 (1). On Saturday (2 p.m., ORF Sport+) the decision will be made with a double – the red-white-red parade duo Alexander Erler (Union Stein&Co. Mauthausen)/Lucas Miedler will be in action – as well as two other singles.
The winner of this international competition will play for a place in the final tournament at the beginning of February, which will take place in September 2024. Austria is miles away from that at the moment. A turnaround is still possible. But it now takes three wins in a row to turn the tables. It’s not impossible if all the protagonists unleash their potential.
A man with routine, clout and aura that ensnares Thiem is missing everywhere. Ofner is having a sensational year, but it still makes a difference whether you are “just” playing for yourself or for a country. Also a favorite. The pressure situation is completely different. With a “normal” Challenger, Ofner would probably have won, with all due respect for Joao Sousa’s performance. The nerves also play a role.
The Styrian had already led 5:2 in the third set, but he missed a match point at 5:4 and ultimately lost 1:7 in the tiebreak. Now it’s Melzer’s job: he has to get his team back up and appeal to their honor. There is no room for bowed heads now. For self-criticism, yes.
Rodionov’s analysis could have been a little sharper: “Every defeat hurts, no matter who it is against and no matter what tournament. I played well, left my heart on the pitch. The disappointment is big, but I can’t really blame myself for much “, he said.
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I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
