With Kilian Feldbausch, the next super talent is in the starting blocks in Switzerland. Florian Heer observed the 18-year-old in Maspalomas.
by Florian Heer
last edited: November 28, 2023, 8:13 p.m
Kilian Feldbausch in Maspalomas
By Florian Heer from Maspalomas
Switzerland is famous for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, delicious chocolate and first-class watches. But she also has a permanent place in top tennis. Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka and Martina Hingis are undoubtedly among the most famous personalities who have shaped professional tennis in recent decades. But the Alpine country doesn’t need to worry about its sporting future either. The Swiss seem to be well positioned in the coming years, particularly in men’s tennis.
The young stars like Dominic Stricker, Leandro Riedi and Jerome Kym are probably now known to every tennis fan. With Kilian Feldbausch, another teenager is now opening the door to the pro circuit wide open. The 18-year-old from Geneva won his first title on the ITF World Tennis Tour this month in Boca Raton, USA.
From Florida to Gran Canaria
“I have played the South American swing before and competed against some good players. I came to Florida with a good rhythm. “Finally finishing the tournament as a winner was of course great,” explained the number 659 in the world rankings, who is taking part in the eó Hotels Maspalomas Challenger this week with a lot of tailwind and has moved into the main draw after qualifying.
“I’m a solid player, not a John Isner with a hard serve. “I always try to find a solution on the pitch,” says Feldbausch, describing his style of play. This means that the important and often difficult transition from juniors to men’s tennis must be accomplished as quickly as possible.
“The Challenger Tour is a big challenge for me. But I like that. “You have to be physically and mentally strong,” says the teenager confidently, who otherwise makes a calm and extremely tidy impression.
Successful junior years and injuries
In his younger years, Feldbausch had to endure several injury-related setbacks. The right-hander, who reached the semi-finals once (Australian Open) and the quarter-finals twice (Wimbledon and US Open) at the junior Grand Slam tournaments last year and climbed to fifth place in the junior rankings, barely stood up in the spring of this year the place. After breaking his foot twice, he only returned to the tour at the end of June.
“That was a hard time. I lost almost every match when I returned. “But now I’ve been able to regain my self-confidence and I’m fit,” says Feldbausch combatively.
Tennis family as a great support
His immediate surroundings are of particular help to him. The French-speaking Swiss comes from a tennis family. His grandfather Franz Feldbausch played for Germany in the 1956 Davis Cup, his father Michael Feldbausch also competed under the German flag and reached number 706 in the world rankings. Kilian’s mother and trainer Cathy Caverzasio, who was born in Switzerland and also represented Italy in her career, even made it to position 34 in the WTA rankings in 1990.
“Both my parents coach me. Here in Maspalomas my uncle is by my side as my mother has to work at home. It helps me a lot to be out and about with my family.”
This support should also be the foundation for a successful coming year. His goals for 2024 sound fitting for his rather calm nature.
“I played really well at the end of this season and of course I want to continue to improve,” says Feldbausch as a modest slogan.
2023-11-29 10:50:00
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