2017 was the year of Sebastian Ofner. Launched in January in 288th place in the ATP world ranking, the 21-year-old Austrian improved by 150 positions within just a few months. This week he plays a strong tournament at the Challenger in Eckental.
Ofner won his fifth title on the ITF-Pro-Circuit in Antalya, reached the first semi-finals on ATP-Challenger level in Mestre and celebrated his debut on the holy lawn in Wimbledon, where he finally advanced to the third round of the main field. Back on sand, Ofner reached the final round of the home tournament in Kitzbühel in August.
After that, however, there were only three wins left on the credit side of the #NextGenATP player. Ofner is now back on track for success at the Bauer Watertechnology Cup in Eckental. In the quarter-finals of the ATP-Challenger event, which was endowed with 43,000 euros, the world rankings-137 was defeated. Friday afternoon Mirza Basic from Bosnia and Herzegovina with 6:3,6:4. Tennisnet spoke to the young Austrian after his match.
Tennisnet: Congratulations on the semi-final draw in Eckental! In less than an hour of playtime against Mirza Basic. What was the key to success today?
Ofner: I served very well today, played solidly and made few mistakes. Besides, I’ve always had my chances on his serve. Finally, I was able to use two break points. It was a good performance.
Tennisnet: The tournament here is played on carpet. A surface that already has a rarity character on the tour. How does it feel to play here?
Ofner: My last tournament on carpet was here last year, too. From the movement it is quite similar to a fast hardcourt. This also applies to the baseline play when entering the rallies.
Tennisnet: You’ve played an incredible season this year and improved about 150 positions in the world rankings. Would you have thought it possible at the beginning of the year?
Ofner: I’m sure it won’t develop that way. My goal was to reach the top-200 at the beginning of the season.
Tennisnet: The qualification in Wimbledon was definitely the absolute highlight. Now, by some distance, how was the experience with your first Grand Slam?
Ofner: In the first match of the qualification I fought off a break point at 4-4 and won 10-8 in the third set. After that, the whole thing took its course. It was an incredible experience.
Tennisnet: After the semi-finals in Kitzbühel, there was a slight lack of success. Where do you see the reasons for this?
Ofner: Since May, June I have played tournaments only and didn’t train anymore. That was probably the deciding factor. At some point the break-in comes and it doesn’t work any more.
Tennisnet: Are there any specific construction sites you are working on during training?
Ofner: Definitely the serve. We also work a lot on volley. Of course, it is important to make the basic strokes more stable.
Tennisnet: Do you train the net game through double matches?
Ofner: I’m not so much a fan of doubles, although it’s certainly a good way to improve volleys. However, it’s not so good for me and that’s why I like to leave it out. In tournaments, I play at the side of someone I’m good friends with. So we can have fun together.
Tennisnet: What about your ambitions in the Austrian Davis Cup team?
Ofner: I think that time will come soon enough. Whether I’m here next time or next time – as long as I keep playing well, it’s sure to work with a stake.
Tennisnet: You will be playing next week at the ATP-Challenger in Bratislava. What are the plans for the off-season?
Ofner: First of all, we have two weeks of vacation to come down a little bit and review everything. Where that will be is not yet certain. Afterwards, Dominic Thiem and other good players go to Tenerife to prepare for the season. Dominic has done this kind of preparation before. It will be the first time for me.