Filip Misolic is looking forward to his first appearance in the main draw of the French Open.
Even the day after his successful appearance in the third and final qualifying round of the clay court major tournament, he was still unable to fully realize the career milestone he had set. “It’s a huge moment, the feeling is incredible. I still don’t believe that I’m in the main competition,” said the ÖTV player on Saturday.
Christopher O’Connell (in the LIVE ticker) is waiting in the first round on Monday. The 29-year-old Australian is number 64 in the world and has never played against Misolic, who is ranked 241st.
The Styrian described his opponent as a “good” draw. “I don’t know him that well in terms of playing skills, but I know that he is not a bad player and plays pretty well on clay,” said the 22-year-old.
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The two definitely have one thing in common. Like Misolic, O’Connell often trains in Croatia, while the latter can mostly be found in Zagreb. “I would come to Austria more often if the training opportunities were better,” explained the 2022 Kitzbühel finalist.
Forehand improved, backhand remains the showpiece
Since then, the game of Austria’s number six, whose clear favorite surface is clay, has changed. “I’ve worked a lot on my forehand, it’s much better now, and I’m also doing more with my serve. I’ve got both things well under control now,” explained Misolic. The backhand has remained the same as the showpiece.
Velimir Zovko, who has recently taken over as coach of the son of Croatian parents, is also hoping for further improvements. Zovko is no stranger, having been Croatia’s Davis Cup captain since the beginning of the year.
“In terms of playing, the change can’t have had much to do with it. But it has certainly given me new energy, which will definitely help me,” said the world number 241. He and his predecessor as coach Ante Andric agreed to try something different after five and a half years.
Qualification already a success
His girlfriend and his fitness coach were also sitting in his box during the qualification. They will not only be able to enjoy Misolic games in the first main round.
“I feel good and want to continue now. Let’s see how it goes.” If he manages to advance against O’Connell, either Francisco Cerundolo (ARG-23) or Yannick Hanfmann (GER) would be waiting for him in the second round.
But even if he had been eliminated, Roland Garros would have been “definitely a great thing.” “It’s a wind at my back, a great response to the work that has been done, an important moment for me.”
This also applies from a financial perspective. For the first round, you get 73,000 euros, and as a second round loser you get 110,000 euros.
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