“Jürgen Melzer has set important accents together with the entire ÖTV sports team since taking office as sports director,” ÖTV Richard Grasl said.
The Austrian Tennis Association announced on the opening day of the Erste Bank Open main draw in Vienna that it has extended Jürgen Melzer’s contract as sports director by three years through the end of 2029, Kurier reported.
Contract Extension Secures Leadership Through 2029
The ÖTV opted for continuity by locking in Melzer, whose previous deal was set to expire at the close of 2026. Grasl pointed to Melzer’s background as a former top player, positive developments across multiple departments, close collaboration with regional state associations, and a clear vision for the coming years as key drivers behind the decision. Melzer, who also serves as captain of the national Davis Cup squad, acknowledged the milestone. “In recent years, we have been able to create important structures and successfully implement numerous projects,” Melzer said. “Now it is important to take the next development steps and accompany even more players on their path in the best possible way.”
New Strategic Concept Targets Youth and Infrastructure
Alongside the sporting director’s retention, the federation rolled out a comprehensive new sports concept designed to bridge the gap between junior and professional competition. The plan focuses heavily on enhanced backing for under-18 athletes, structural improvements in the transition phase to the pro tour, and a more rigorous coaching education framework. Additional pillars include strengthening the international tournament calendar within Austria, establishing a centralized monitoring database for all squad members, and expanding the national training base network. The Thiem Academy Burgenland joins the system immediately as an official ÖTV training hub.
Davis Cup Squad Named for Bologna Final 8
Sticking to the adage that a winning lineup should remain intact, Melzer named an unchanged roster for the upcoming Davis Cup Final 8. Austria will face tennis powerhouse Spain on November 26, with the match scheduled as the second fixture after 4:00 p.m. local time in Bologna, Italy. The squad mirrors the group that secured a 3:1 home victory over Belgium in Vienna. Jurij Rodionov, currently ranked 137th in ATP singles, leads the selection alongside Lukas Neumayer (ATP 168) and Joel Schwärzler (ATP 173). The doubles pairing consists of Lucas Miedler, ranked 19th in ATP doubles, and Neil Oberleitner, sitting at ATP doubles number 22. “In the end, the players picked themselves,” Melzer said of the selection.
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