Ofner continues into a tiebreaker in Hong Kong against Struff

“It was a really good match at a very high level, very close. But I was fully there in all the decisive moments and played good tennis,” said Offner with satisfaction after the Struff match. “Obviously winning such a close match against Struff gives you confidence. “

Ofner managed an early break against Struff in the first set, and Struff leveled the score at 2-2. The serve went to a tiebreak, where Ofner missed two break points at 5:5. In the decision, Austria I had to bow after quickly falling behind. In the second round, Offner pushed to tie the set, taking four set points, but Struff saved himself in the tiebreak. This time the German lost due to a late mini-break against himself.

In a match that ultimately lasted over 2:48 hours, Ofner carried his momentum into the third set and immediately earned his first comeback match. The 27-year-old played his next three service games with confidence, but Struff leveled the score at 4:4 with his only service point after the first set. Offner remained unmoved and went to the tiebreaker again. The 33-year-old Struff was behind from the start, and Offner completed the task at high speed.

He continued his excellent start to the season after achieving a 6:1 and 6:2 victory in the first round over American Mackenzie McDonald. Against the notoriously tough server Struff, Offner himself shone with 16 aces, two more than his opponent. His four double faults are matched only by one from Offner. The ÖTV athlete was more efficient at the network than Struff.

Offner has never played against 35-year-old Bautista Agut on the tour. Iberia is ranked 57th in the world. 14 places behind Red-White-Red Hope, and has yet to concede a set during the tournament. Despite this self-confidence, Ofner said the match will be just as difficult against Bautista. He's a different type of player, but he does different things well (Struve's note). Offner: “If you play well, anything is possible.” As of next Monday, with his best ranking yet, Offner now has a good chance of being in the top 40 for the first time.

Alexander Erler / Lukas Midler lost the doubles quarterfinal to the Israeli-Czech pair Ariel Behar / Adam Pavlasek 6: 7 (6), 3: 6. At the ATP tournament in Brisbane, Sam Weisbourne and his doubles partner from Monaco Roman Arneaudo had to overcome Over the number three seeded American duo Nathaniel Lamons/Jackson Withrow (USA – 3) 6:7 ​​(2), 6:7 (4) in the tournament. Round of 16. Bend. Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who defeated Dominic Thiem, easily reached the quarter-finals, beating Australian Jason Kuebler 6:1,6:2 in his comeback tournament.