Michael Agwi: “The Davis Cup match against Austria will be an absolute highlight”
Michael Agwi is in the Irish team's squad for the Davis Cup match against Austria. The 20-year-old can currently be found at tournaments on the ITF World Tennis Tour, where he met with Dietmar Kaspar for a tennisnet interview at the M15 tournament in Cadolzburg, Central Franconia.
by Dietmar Kaspar
last edit: Jan 25, 2024, 03:09 pm
Michael Agwi's celebration was huge at the Cadolzburg Open, which was held on carpet, when the current No. 1117 in the world rankings converted his match point in the semi-final against the 18-year-old Czech Jakub Filip and thus secured his first final appearance on the professional tour. What is striking is that the player starting for Ireland, who impressed with his serving strength and aggressive baseline game, articulates himself on the court in German.
tennisnet: Michael, even though you are starting for Ireland, we can do the interview in German. Tell us something about your CV.
Michael Agwi: My parents worked in Ireland and that's where they had me. When I was young we moved to Berlin, where I grew up and therefore of course speak fluent German.
How did you get into tennis?
My mother was fascinated by this sport, as was my grandfather. When I was four years old, they signed me up for a tennis lesson at TK Gold-Blau Steglitz and that's how it developed.
When did you realize that you were better at playing than many others?
It only really became clear to me when I was able to beat No. 2 in the tournament as a qualifier at my second ITF tournament and get the first two points for the world rankings with another win. Before that I had only played national tournaments in Berlin and achieved nothing special.
Did you receive funding from the association?
When I was young, I was in the Berlin squad. But I receive perfect support from my club in Steglitz, which I mainly thank for being able to play here. I want to play as much as possible and try to take advantage of my chances.
You play for Ireland in the Davis Cup. How did contact with the Irish association come about?
I entered the rankings with two ATP points and there aren't that many Irish people in the world rankings. At that time there were three players and I came in fourth. With my two points I overtook a player and was already number 3 in Ireland. In the week after the world rankings were published, various people from Ireland contacted me by email and WhatsApp. From then on I was in contact with the Irish association.
How often have you been to the Davis Cup so far?
I've been there twice so far, but unfortunately I had to cancel once due to injury. I was even allowed to make my singles debut against Peru.
In February the relegation to World Group 1 will be against Austria in Limerick. What will the Irish team look like?
Our top player is Simon Carr, who is just coming back from an injury and is only competing in doubles here in Cadolzburg. Then we have Osgar O'Hoisin, who was at the US college. I'm currently number 3, but in sport things can happen very quickly. Let's see how the team boss lines up.
Are you also an alternative for doubles?
I'm currently focusing entirely on the individual. Since I currently mostly have to compete in qualifying, I would like to pool my strengths for the individual. But if I end up regularly in the main draw, I will also play more doubles.
Do you notice that the draw against Austria is increasing the attention on tennis in Ireland?
I heard that the tickets were sold out very quickly after the pre-sale started. So it will be packed and the excitement is already huge. The Irish are fascinated by all sports and are full of enthusiasm. It will be an absolute highlight for me to fly there to represent the country.
Are you already following the results of the Austrian players you might face?
So far I haven't given it much thought. I noticed that Dominic Thiem lost to Nadal. When it comes to the event, I'll be more concerned with it.