Vienna Padel Open: Magical evening in Kagran
On Wednesday, history was made at the Vienna Padel Open in the STEFFL Arena (June 5th to 12th): Thanks to a wildcard, David Alten and Christoph Krenn were the first Austrian duo to play a main round game at a World Padel Tour tournament. The two Viennese put up a good fight and delighted the audience.
by p.m
last edit: Jun 09, 2022, 08:03 am
In front of a well-filled ranks - tennis ace Dominic Thiem didn't miss the spectacle - in the STEFFL Arena, Alten/Krenn played the last game of the day on the center court. They faced the Spaniards Juan Martin Diaz and Alejandro Arroyo . In the end, Alten/Krenn had to admit defeat 1:6, 4:6, but could be extremely satisfied with the performance.
The Austrians got off to a "cold start" and the first six points went to the Spaniards. It was only in the seventh rally that the first point was won, and with the score at 0:5 it was the first and only game in the first set. Alten/Krenn did better in the second set, kept up well from the start and kept him open for a long time. Eventually, the greater quality of the Spaniards prevailed.
Duel with Spanish legend
"That was a great evening! Thanks to all the fans who were here and gave us loud support. It was an incredible experience to be seen on this magnificent center court. At first we were overwhelmed by the pace, but then it got better and better," said Krenn, who would have liked to have played longer. "A third set would have been nice, because then we were really good in the game and we certainly got through our service games."
His partner David Alten saw it similarly: "We've been working towards a moment like this for the last eight years. We were often in Spain and financed a lot ourselves. We were rewarded with this match, it was incredibly awesome.”
The duel was also special because Juan Martin Diaz is one of the greatest figures in padel sport. The 46-year-old Spaniard was number 1 in the world for 13 years and was able to win 170 tournaments. Together with the Argentinian Fernando Belasteguin he dominated the sport for years. Diaz is now number 28 in the world. "He was always my big role model because he's also left-handed. We've trained with him before, but to be on the pitch with him in the main round is unforgettable. At least we could challenge him,” beamed Alten.
Dominic Thiem supports Krenn and Alten
The two Spaniards were also enthusiastic about the atmosphere. Diaz: "It's amazing what happened here. The arena is stunning, we feel very comfortable in Vienna. David and Christoph made life difficult for us, it was a good game. I'm always happy when international people get a chance on the tour."
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After several attempts at tournaments in Spain, it was Alten/Krenn's first appearance in a main competition. But it shouldn't stay that way: "We will continue to train, also with the other up-and-coming Austrians. Hopefully the Vienna Padel Open will also take place in the next few years, then we hope for another chance. At least that makes you want more.”
Among the fans present was Dominic Thiem. The Grand Slam champion is an enthusiastic padel player himself and supported Alten/Krenn from the stands.
The Vienna Padel Open continues on Thursday with the round of 16. Then the top favorites and world ranking leaders Alejandro Galan and Juan Lebron (bye in round 1) will also enter the tournament. The two will play on Center Court at 3:30 p.m. Students receive free entry.