Davis Cup: Austria against Belgium for the ticket to Bologna

New starting point

Alexander Blockx (ATP 27) and Raphaël Collignon (ATP 47) are missing from the Belgians. This leads Zizou Bergs (ATP 38) captain’s team Steve Darcis an. Gauthier Onclin (ATP 164) and Kimmer Coppejans (ATP 223) were re-nominated. Opened for Austria Yuri Rodionov (ATP 142) against Onclin on Friday from 1 p.m., then Lukas Neumayer (ATP 180) meets Bergs.

“If the paper goes by, Jurij can give us a 1-0 lead and would then put pressure on Bergs so that Lukas can play freely,” explained Melzer after the draw.

The doubles follows on Saturday Lucas Miedler (doubles/ATP 24) and Davis Cup debutant Neil Oberleitner (double/ATP 41) against Sander Gille (double/ATP 55) and Joran Vliegen (Double/ATP 175). Even if the duel is decided after three matches, another singles match would be played. The fifth duel only takes place if there is still no winner.

Rodionov’s “special” home game

For Rodionov, the appearance is a special home game: “I played club championships for the WAC for years, so I’m even happier to be able to play in Vienna.” He was nominated for the Davis Cup for the twelfth time. His message to his teammates who haven’t been there that often is clear: “As long as you give 100 percent, always fight, never give up, no one can be mad at you.”

Neumayer is also going into the duel with the wind at his back. He scored an important point in the dramatic 3-2 win against Japan in February. “The goal is to be able to confirm Japan’s performance tomorrow,” says the 24-year-old. The Davis Cup is especially special for him because “you don’t just play for yourself, but for the team.”

Oberleitner: “My whole family is coming”

Looks particularly excited you on that newly formed doubles Miedler/Oberleitner. For Oberleitner will the weekend anyway to a milestone. The 25 year old celebrates his Davis Cup debut of all things in his hometown. “My whole family “Comes to watch,” says the new graduate ATP tournament winner.

His successful year, in which he moved from 180th place in the doubles rankings towards the top 40, gives him additional self-confidence: “I can no longer feel more comfortable, I can no longer be brimming with self-confidence.”

Witch’s Cauldron WAC

Thousands of fans are said to be in temporary stadium in the Prater for Create a home game atmosphere. “If you before sold out house You can compete at home with the spectators in the back, are just put it in there a few percent more inside,” says Melzer. ÖTV President Richard Weed hopes for a “witch’s cauldron”. For belongs to him too the emotional moment of the invasion and to the national anthem the highlights.

18 years after his own Davis Cup appearance in Vienna returns Melzer now as captain back. 2008 had Austria against the USA lost. “From the mood very good memories to 2008, in terms of results “Not like that,” says Melzer with a smile. “I hope we can turn that around this weekend.” Melzer already knows how to celebrate after a victory could become: “It probably will one or the other Karaoke-Bar become. That’s a bit like that Traditionn.“