Dominic Thiem fit for Davis Cup against Chile
Austria's Davis Cup captain has announced his team for the country comparison with Chile (February 1 & 2 in Salzburg). Dominic Thiem is part of the team as well as Dennis Novak, Philipp Oswald, Oliver Marach and Jürgen Melzer.
by Press release
last edit: Jan 22, 2019, 01:17 pm
After the 3-1 in Graz against Australia, the Austrian national tennis team will compete against Chile on 1 and 2 February 2019 for the qualification for the world group final tournament - in November 18 nations will compete for the title in Madrid. The SalzburgArena plays on sand, the stands offer space for 4574 spectators, the hall is sold out.
On the first day, two singles will be on the program from 3 p.m., the doubles will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday, after which two more singles are planned. The mode: two winning sets.
Chile leads 3: 0 in the direct duel, most recently defeated Rotweißrot in South America 2: 3 in 2009. In the decisive game Nicolas Massu won 3-1 against Stefan Koubek, today both lead their countries as captains. On Tuesday Stefan Koubek nominated Dominic Thiem (ATP-8), Dennis Novak (ATP-141), Oliver Marach (ATP double 4), Philipp Oswald (ATP double 61) and Daviscup record player Jürgen Melzer, who was 36. Convocation for the 76th mission for Austria could come.
The Chileans will arrive with the following players: Nicolas Jarry (ATP-45), Christian Garin (ATP-89), Marcelo Tomas Barrios (ATP-331), Julio Peralta (ATP doubles 41) and Hans Podlipnik (ATP doubles 75).
Dominic Thiem at the start in the Davis Cup
"The chances are balanced. With the home advantage, we are slightly in the plus, ”says Stefan Koubek, who does not want to underestimate the Chileans under any circumstances. "Both single players are on the rise, Jarry has already beaten Thiem. We know what to expect. ”Behind the nomination for Thiems was a question mark after the job due to health problems in Australia.
"Günter Bresnik gave the okay to set it up," says Koubek, "so I assume that he is on the mend and ready for the Daviscup. Of course, having a top ten player at the start can make all the difference. ”
Dennis Novak, who played great in Russia and Australia, is the second fix starter in singles. Most recently, however, the 25-year-old retired from the Australian Open in the first qualifying round. "Dennis is always highly motivated in the Davis Cup, which he has proven several times now."
Jürgen Melzer travels to Salzburg
Oliver Marach gave the all-clear. Number 4 in the double world ranking list had been knocked over in the mixed competition of the Australian Open and had to take the trip home early. After an MRI it was clear: the 38-year-old Styrian will be able to join the team. Like the Vorarlberg double specialist Philipp Oswald, who was called up instead of the injured Alexander Peya. "I always have Ossi on the list," says Koubek, "he's a great guy and brings a good atmosphere to the team."
The fifth in the league is the Mister Daviscup par excellence: Jürgen Melzer has represented his country 35 times, including in Chile. In 2009, the 37-year-old lost to Massu before winning the doubles with Julian Knowle and beating Capdeville. Actually, the former number 8 in the ATP world has already ended the singles career, Melzer started in the doubles, on Sunday he had to give up in the final at the Challenger in Koblenz.
"Jürgen is extremely passionate about the Daviscup," says Koubek, "he always gave everything and is in the right place until the bitter end." In the Deutsch-Wagramer, Koubek sees the ideal joker. "Should I have to swap at short notice, whether in single or double, there is no more suitable man. He knows all situations through his experience and can best deal with everyone. It would, of course, be a good thing that only best of three is played. "
Gerald Melzer sparring partner, Jurij Rodionov substitute
Koubek has the opportunity to exchange two players up to an hour before the draw (January 31, 11 a.m.). The first candidate in case of an emergency is Jurij Rodionov (ATP-207). The 19-year-old from Lower Austria would arrive at short notice. “He has agreed to step in,” says Koubek, “he would be happy, is fully motivated and is bursting with zest for action. It's nice when you have such a guy in your back. ”Gerald Melzer, part of the team since 2014, is serving as a sparring partner for the team this time.
ÖTV President Werner Klausner is looking forward to the event in his sport-loving home state. “The SalzburgArena has been sold out for weeks. The fans will cheer on our national team and hopefully push for victory. With two top ten players in our ranks, it is unmeasurable to target participation in the world group final tournament. We won't make the mistake of underestimating the Chileans. "
ÖTV Managing Director Thomas Schweda is also looking forward to the home game in front of a sold out house. “The phone was hot, everyone wanted tickets, there was rarely a run like that before. This shows the value of the world group. We will celebrate a tennis festival in Salzburg and advertise our sport. "