In the city of love Para-Tennis Ace Nico Langmann also rediscovered the love for the Paralympics. In Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021 they were eliminated in the first round, but in the French capital this series has now been broken. Langmann won on Friday against the South Korean Han Sung Bong in three sentences.
The Viennese was carried on a Sidecourt in Roland Garros by numerous red-white-red fans who had travelled with them, and two-time French Open finalist Dominic Thiem was also keeping his fingers crossed from afar. “You don’t experience something like that every day,” Langmann said euphorically after the match: “That was a bit of a football atmosphere, I would say. Or Davis Cup atmosphere.” Almost 100 Austrian fans, family and friends, provided loud support.
Three-hour rain interruption
“It was one hundred percent the greatest day of my sporting career,” said Langmann. “Something like that doesn’t happen every day. It was like a football atmosphere.” Langmann experienced highs and lows in the 6:2, 0:6, 6:2 win, but in the end there was only happiness. Even a three-hour rain interruption couldn’t stop the 27-year-old on this special day. In the second round, the world number 33 will now face the Dutchman Maikel Scheffers, the former world number one.
For Langmann, the games in Paris are the absolute highlight of his career. “The combination, Paralympic Games in Roland Garros, in Europe. I already know that I will never experience anything like that again,” said the 27-year-old. In keeping with the sporting highlight, he is also in top form. “I am currently playing the best tennis of my life. I feel the ball better than ever.”
While Langmann was celebrating, his compatriot Josef Riegler in the first round. The 49-year-old from Lower Austria was clearly defeated by Suresh Dharmasena from Sri Lanka in two sets. His only chance of progressing is in the doubles match with Langmann.