Only one Austrian survived “Super Tuesday”

The good news first: The sun finally came out again in Bad Waltersdorf on Tuesday – and that was good for everyone: spectators, organizers and of course the players, who were able to pull off “Super Tuesday” with 15 parties. The bad news: things didn’t go as planned for most Austrians, only one managed to get past the first hurdle in the main competition. And that can definitely be called a small surprise: Sandro Kopp fought his way into round two against the strong Czech Vit Kopriva in three sets. In contrast, however, future hopeful Joel Schwärzler and Lukas Neumayer, the hero of the Davis Cup victory over Turkey in “extra time” on Sunday, had to pack up their things again.

For Sandro Kopp, the end of the day was a real rollercoaster ride. In the first set, he had Kopriva under control with aggressive play and a strong serve, then the Czech reacted, changed tactics and was the dominant player. “The second set was a bit shaky, somehow lacking in energy. But towards the end I also tried serve-volleying, which was important, and that’s how I found my game again.” In addition, Kopriva then made crucial errors in the last game, which was enough for Kopp against last year’s semi-finalist: “I can only thank all the spectators and hope they come back. I will rely on entertaining again.” That will be necessary, but in round two he will be waiting for the tournament’s number two, Thiago Monteiro.

Unfortunately, Joel Schwärzler and Neumayer had little chance. Schwärzler analyzed his 4:6, 3:6 defeat against the Spaniard Carlos Taberna as follows: “I was very impatient and had the feeling that I would not be able to win a long rally against him. I played two good matches at the Challenger in Mauthausen, but I am currently unable to deliver at the level that I would like.” Neumayer never found a suitable way to beat the experienced Ramos Vinolas and was completely outplayed by the former number 17 in the world, who has four ATP tournament victories to his credit. “I tried to fight at every point because I always concentrate on my tennis first and foremost.” “But I am not at all satisfied with my performance, I just have to put that behind me quickly,” said the Salzburg player.

There was no good news in the qualification either: Styrian Sebastian Sorger narrowly lost to Swiss Mika Brundol, and David Pichler was the only other ÖTV player to make it into the main competition, beating Neil Oberleitner in the Austrian duel. And on Wednesday, given the better weather, Bad Waltersdorf is hoping for even more spectators. They can look forward not only to Pichler, who will open the day, but also to the appearance of local hero Filip Misolic, who will face qualifier Tim Handel (GER). Before him (from 1 p.m.), last year’s finalist Dennis Novak will play against Swiss “lucky loser” Kilian Feldbausch.