Austria’s number 1 in men’s tennis has honestly earned this position in 2023: Sebastian Ofner has already reached five finals on the Challenger Tour and recently surprisingly made it into the round of 16 of the French Open.
Thanks to the wildcard from the final in Ilkley, the 27-year-old from Styria skipped the qualification and was able to enjoy the Wimbledon spirit even before his first appearance on Tuesday. “I feel very good. I also played very good matches in the first tournament on grass and now the training week has gone great,” Ofner reported to a media round in Wimbledon on Saturday. Against the only 21-year-old Czech Jiri Lehecka, number 36 in the ATP ranking, he is an outsider in terms of ranking, but Ofner recently proved in Ilkley that he can show top form again on grass.
“I know him. It will certainly be difficult because his game on grass is very unpleasant. But anything is possible,” said Ofner, who sensationally made it into the third round of Wimbledon six years ago after qualifying successfully. Of course, this experience didn’t help him. “But I generally feel good on grass.” Everything happened so quickly six years ago, and the qualification does not take place directly in Wimbledon, but in Roehampton. “Yes, I’ve been able to enjoy it a bit now because I’ve been here since Sunday. It has a very special flair here.”
Ofner assured again that he had not speculated on the wild card, which was actually only intended for the winner of the challenger from Ilkley. His opponent in the final had already secured his place in the main draw before the final. Taxi and train had already been booked. “I was completely prepared for qualification.” It was a “huge relief” when he got the call.
Ofner comes with a lot of confidence
The season has gone incredibly well so far, said the protégé of main coach Wolfgang Thiem and touring trainer Stefan Rettl. But: “I know that I can play well on any surface. Right now I have the feeling that I can perform every day in every match. The basic level is a lot higher. I know that the other player is just as good I have to play that he hits me. That thought helps me a lot.”
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Ofner loses Challenger finals at Ilkley
In addition to Rettl, his manager Moritz Thiem is also involved in London. “And Dominic too, if I need anything.” After the long injury time, including the break but also taking painkillers in the game, he always stuck with it. “Anyone who knows me knows I’m a workaholic. It’s a small reward for myself. And now it’s an even bigger relief, firstly that I got into the top 100 and I’ll stay there, if I keep playing like this. Hopefully that will give me a little boost.”
Steirer thinks from game to game
However, Ofner did not let the successes of this year become arrogant. “The second round would be a success. I’ve qualified here once so far and then played third round and I’ve lost ever since.” That’s why a win for him would already be a success.
“I serve well, the serve is already a great weapon, my backhand is generally really dangerous, the forehand too now. My overall package makes the game on grass relatively dangerous,” Ofner describes his strengths. Thanks to his playing style, he doesn’t have such a problem with it if it’s faster (also because of the surface). In any case, the anticipation at Ofner is very great. “I’m really happy that I can serve in the main draw at Wimbledon.”
2023-07-02 05:00:00
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