Joel Schwärzler’s ATP debut ends in defeat but leaves a desire for more.
The 18-year-old is competing in Kitzbühel for the first time in his career in an ATP main draw thanks to a wildcard. In the first round of the Generali Open, Schwärzler loses to Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild (ATP-72) after a tough fight lasting 1:56 hours with a score of 2:6, 6:7 (6).
The ÖTV youngster shows noticeable nervousness at the start; after a break, Schwärzler quickly finds himself trailing 0:3. Against a brilliantly performing Seyboth Wild, who serves at times over 220 km/h, Schwärzler clearly has the worse end in the first set.
After another break, the Brazilian finally celebrates his set lead after just 29 minutes.
Schwärzler misses six break points
During the short break between the two sets, Schwärzler, who is coached by Jürgen Melzer, nearly sheds all his nervousness. In the second set, a completely different game develops.
This is evident right from the start: Schwärzler manages to create five break points in a marathon game. Seyboth Wild remains steadfast and celebrates a 1:0 lead after exactly 20 minutes.
Following this, the French Open junior semifinalist appears much more confident while serving.
In the fifth game of the second set, Schwärzler finds his sixth break point but is unable to capitalize on it. Nevertheless, the native Vorarlberger showcases some eye-catching tennis at times, delighting the spectators in the stands in Kitzbühel.
Unfortunate ending after a strong second set
The youngster continues to be the better player in the second set and earns two break points again at 4:4. With two aces, Seyboth Wild once again saves himself dryly. Ultimately, the second set must be decided in a tie-break after nine missed break points.
In the tie-break, the Brazilian skillfully exploits his experience against the Austrian debutant, winning the second set after nearly 90 minutes with his second match point. Thus, the 24-year-old advances to the round of 16, just like last year.
For Schwärzler, his main draw debut ends in defeat. However, he can build on the second set, where he performed well as a former junior number one.