Davis Cup in Limerick | Dominic Thiem opens up for Ireland's favorite Austria

With Sebastian Offner and Dominic Thiem, the strongest players in red, white and red have arrived, not least because of the Olympic year. After the draw was made on Friday afternoon, it is clear that Thiem will feature in the international match on Saturday (1:00pm CET/Live) www.oetv.tv) opened against Irish number one Michael Agoe. Offner then meets Osgar Ohuysen.

Ajoy, who is only 20 years old, recently reached the final of the ITF tournament in Kadolsburg (Germany). As a result, he has improved by 182 places and appears to be the only Irishman in the top 1000 at position 935. This fact alone confirms the clear favorable position of Jurgen Melzer's team. Thiem, a former US Open winner, will not underestimate any of his opponents. “Agui lost in the final just last week to Future, he can definitely play well. “He plays really hard and fast,” he is ranked world No. 90. He warned. “I will go into the match feeling that I have to play well despite everything, and his rating is no.” It matters.” He has to maintain his level, “otherwise there could be bad surprises.

Players have reported good training conditions at the UL Sport Arena on the University of Limerick campus. “The deck is relatively slow, and the hall is pretty cool,” Tim said.

After Thiem, Offner plays against Ohuysen. “I don't know him at all, I only watched him briefly in training. If I give a normal performance, there won't be a problem.” The Austrian No. 1 and No. 40 do not feel any particular pressure against the No. 1015 player. “It doesn't really matter. I'm not a person who puts pressure on myself whether I'm better or worse in the rankings.” Although Agui has shown that recently, Offner is convinced that his team is the best.

Anything other than Austria's 3-0 scoreline after Sunday's double would be a huge upset. ÖTV Davis Cup team captain and sporting director Melzer has a difficult time evaluating opposing players. “When the Irish play each other, the level is not appreciable. But it looks good, they are both really good servants. Ohuisen is definitely stronger in attack, but he has not defended as well. Agwi is playing really, really hard. In the end we have to focus on our own things. The boys have trained very well and are looking forward to tomorrow and are definitely ready.

The former top 10 player believes something will likely happen in doubles. “In doubles, things can always quickly go the other way. But of course our players are favorites and should win the title.