ATP Challenger Heilbronn: Dennis Novak - Hard work pays off
Dennis Novak was able to gain self-confidence at the NECKARCUP in Heilbronn. Even if the semifinals of the ATP Challenger 100 event in Heilbronn against the eventual tournament winner Bernabe Zapata Miralles from Spain was the final destination, the number three seeded Austrian managed to win three matches in a row. This was last the case in February of last year at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
by Florian Heer
last edit: May 15, 2021, 06:15 pm
From Florian Heer from Heilbronn
In the first lap, Novak showed steadfast qualities in changeable weather conditions in Käthchenstadt. The 27-year-old Viennese fended off a match point against local heroes Yannick Maden, and finally left the pitch 6: 2, 2: 6 and 7: 5. This was followed by another three-set success over the German Mats Moraing and a 6: 4 and 6: 4 over the Japanese Taro Daniel.
"It was a difficult match, but I played really well," said Novak, who was satisfied with his performance following his victory over number five in the tournament. “I've had a few personal problems lately that have prevented me from showing my best tennis. But I was able to get rid of this and now I'm back on the right track. "
Sweating at Bresnik
Novak, who recently started training again with Günter Bresnik in Südstadt, said that he didn't really feel fit after Australia. “For three or four weeks now I've been training really hard again. This is slowly paying off. There were a few long matches here and I feel great. "
To what extent does this have anything to do with the changed training conditions? “Everyone who knows Günter knows what philosophy he is following and how hard you have to train there. I'm doing that again now and you can see it on the pitch, ”says Novak.
Luck off the pitch
Despite the defeat in the round of the last four, Novak can take a lot of positive things from Heilbronn. In addition, things are going brilliantly off the field at the Austrian: The Rapid Wien supporter has been awarded a lifelong membership by his favorite club.
“This is a huge honor for me. I've had good contact with the club for a long time and know a few players. Trainer Didi Kühbauer is a passionate tennis fan. He recently celebrated his 50th birthday and we gave him a tennis exhibition match as a present. That's how it all came about, ”says Novak.
The best present, however, is planned for August. Then Novak is expecting the birth of his first child.