WTA Linz: Julia Grabher wants the first ÖTV victory in ten years
Julia Grabher can immortalize herself in the annals of Upper Austria Ladies Linz on Wednesday. If she wins her first round match against the American Madison Brengle, then she would be the first Austrian individual winner in ten years at the Linz WTA tournament!
by p.m
last edit: Feb 07, 2023, 05:09 pm
As a reminder: Tyrolean Patricia Mayr-Achleitner was the last Austrian to win a singles match in the round of 16 of the women's tennis classic in 2013 (6: 1, 6: 7, 6: 4 against the Ukrainian Maryna Zanevska), before beating German Angelique in the quarterfinals Kerber lost 3: 6, 1: 6.
"Of course I'm constantly asked about it, but that's why I'm not putting any particular pressure on myself now. It's an incentive for me to play here in front of a home crowd," said Julia Grabher at the press conference. The Vorarlberg native is happy about an extra motivation: "My family and many friends are here, that doesn't happen that often over the year."
Grabher works with Bresnik
Austria's number one is enthusiastic about the two-year collaboration with coach Günter Bresnik. “He has an incredible experience, I really appreciate that he takes his time with me. I think I still have a lot of room for improvement.” In the pre-season, Julia trained with Austria's parade decathlete Dominik Distelberger on Bresnik's recommendation. “Because decathletes are complete athletes, they know their bodies well,” explained Bresnik. Is he coming to Linz? "No, he doesn't want to be the center of attention here," said the woman from Vorarlberg.
On Wednesday at 4 p.m. things will get serious for Julia Grabher at the Upper Austria Ladies Linz 2023. How does she rate her first round opponent Madison Brengle? "I know her a bit, trained with her at the Australian Open. It will be important that I find my game, which is very physical. It's a good draw, I see a chance for myself," said Grabher.
Austria's top player is grateful for the wildcard that tournament director Sandra Reichel gave her. Grabher's anticipation of her personal premiere at the Linz Design Center is huge. "This location is great, there is a mega atmosphere on the center court." Well then...