Matthias Ujvary: "Being able to play against Dominic is just great"
With Matthias Ujvary, a teenager from Burgenland caused the big surprise in qualifying at the ATP Challenger tournament in Mauthausen. As a reward, a showdown with former US Open champion Dominic Thiem awaits the 18-year-old in the main draw.
by Dietmar Kaspar
last edit:
May 08, 2023, 06:01 pm
By Dietmar Kaspar from Mauthausen
Due to the sovereign two-set successes against Kazakh Beibit Zhukayev and Branko Djuric from Serbia, ÖTV youngster Matthias Ujvary is in the main draw for his first start at Challenger level. Tennisnet spoke to the 18-year-old on site.
Tennisnet: First participation in a Challenger tournament and qualification for the main draw. How does that make you feel?
Matthias Ujvary: Of course it feels really great. On Friday I only found out about my wildcard start here in qualifying. Actually, I came here without great expectations, but I felt really good from the first point. I had the ball well on the racket and served very well.
The main draw is now against Dominic Thiem …
Being able to play against Dominic is just awesome. Competing on the center court and playing my best tennis in front of a full audience will be a big challenge. I'll just try to enjoy it.
What was your path to tennis like?
I started in Güssing at the age of 5 with my trainer Herbert Rosenkranz, with whom I have been working since the beginning. It helps me tremendously in my development. When I was a junior, he often accompanied me to tournaments, which has not been possible in the men's area lately. In a tournament like this he's obviously there because of the proximity and that helps me a lot.
What does the support from the Austrian Tennis Association look like?
Last year the ÖTV helped me a lot with tournament accompaniment at the big junior events. Additionally, as a member of the Future/NextGen Davis Cup squad, I also receive financial support.
What is your tournament planning for the next few weeks?
After the Challenger event in Mauthausen, I will play the Futures in Austria, starting with the Villach tournament. It's a big advantage to have such tournaments in your own country .
What are your goals for the end of the year?
I didn't set myself a fixed ranking as a goal. Of course it would be great if I could get into the main fields at the future tournaments with my ranking position in the foreseeable future. But first I just want to collect as many points as possible.
Thank you for the interview and all the best for the future.