Davis Cup: Austria with Rodionov, Misolic, Melzer, Miedler and Erler against Pakistan
The team presented today by the ÖTV Davis Cup captain is the absolute favorite against the guests from Pakistan at home in Tulln on sand in mid-September.
by Stefan Bergmann
last edit: Sep 06, 2022, 02:43 pm
The Davis Cup is a guest at TC Tulln on September 16th and 17th: on both days, the play-off of World Group I between hosts Austria and guests Pakistan takes place. It is not only tradition but also obligation to announce the team that will tackle the challenge ten days before the start of the match. As expected, the press conference scheduled for Tuesday morning at the venue revealed the Austrian squad.
Team boss Jürgen Melzer relies on Jurij Rodionov (ATP 139), Filip Misolic (ATP 141) and brother Gerald (ATP 192) for the singles, while the well-rehearsed duo Lucas Miedler and Alexander Erler are used for the doubles. Three players from the top 200 of the ATP ranking and the home advantage should actually be a practical guarantee for success against the Asian guest nation, who only have a nominally impressive doubles specialist Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi to offer, who also acts as a playing Captain acts.
Austria as an absolute favourite
While Dominic Thiem did not fit a short-term guest appearance on sand into the tournament schedule after the US Open, Dennis Novak is looking forward to fatherly joy for the second time, which is why he also asked ÖTV sports director Melzer to refrain from being called up. Sebastian Ofner had done the same, albeit for a less pleasant reason, as the Styrian had to undergo an operation on his injured foot, which had been in the room for a long time.
"But at the same time, both have assured me that they will be available immediately in an emergency if someone falls ill or is injured," assured the 41-year-old from Lower Austria. The fact that Philipp Oswald is not in the team has to do with the Vorarlberger's enormous workload in recent months: "He's been playing through for many weeks. A break in between is good for him. And we also have a well-established double with Erler/Miedler, I trust completely at home on his best surface, sand."
None of those present were able to provide further information on the visiting team Pakistan. Qureshi has until 5:00 p.m. today to announce his nominations. However, one thing is clear: No matter in which constellation the Asians will compete, Austria must enter the match as the favorite and also fully accept this role.
Here is the program for the Davis Cup Austria – Pakistan in Tulln (September 16/17)
September 13, 10:30 a.m.: Pre-draw press conference Team Pakistan at TC Tulln
September 13, 11:00 a.m.: Pre-draw press conference Team Austria at TC Tulln
September 15, 10:30 a.m.: Official Draw in the ballroom of Tulln town hall
September 16, 12:30 p.m.: Start of matchday 1
17.9., 11:00 a.m.: Start of matchday 2