The Lower Austrian Jurij Rodionov opens the Davis Cup international match against Portugal against Nuno Borges in Schwechat on Friday (from 3 p.m. in the LIVE ticker).
Afterwards, Styrian Sebastian Ofner plays against Joao Sousa.
The World Group I game continues on Saturday with a double and at least one single.
Rodionov: “Borges is a tough guy”
“Of course there’s nervousness. I’m ready, I’ve trained very well over the last week and I’m looking forward to being able to go out on the pitch in front of the home crowd,” says Rodionov in the ORF interview. The 24-year-old from Lower Austria was preferred over Dennis Novak by ÖTV captain Jürgen Melzer.
“The surface is 1:1 to that of the Stadthalle and I have always felt very comfortable on it. I have seen Borges play a few times, but never played against him. He is certainly a tough guy,” said Rodionov about the Portuguese number one.
Afterwards, Ofner has to deal with the experienced Joao Sousa. The 34-year-old was in the top 40 in the world seven years ago, but is now only number 289 in the world.
“He hasn’t had such good results recently. But he’s a seasoned player with a lot of experience. If I perform well, then I’m confident that I’ll beat him. I feel in top shape,” he says the Styrian self-confident.
Melzer explains decision for Rodionov
ÖTV captain Melzer expects exciting games: “I think it will be a close match. We are slight favorites. In the end it has to be played on the pitch. The boys will give it their all.”
Why did Melzer choose Rodionov over Novak? “They’ve both trained really well. With such a close decision, it’s always a gut feeling. I’m convinced that Jurij is the right man. If we can start with a 1-0 win, there will be a lot of pressure on Portugal. “
The winner of the international competition will play in the qualifying round at the beginning of February 2024 for a place in the Davis Cup final tournament (group phase) in the fall. The draw for this will only take place during the Final 8 tournament at the end of November in Malaga.
2023-09-14 12:22:40
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