US Open: Dennis Novak lost to Benoit Paire after a big fight

Dennis Novak retired on his 25th birthday in the first second round of the US Open 2018. The Austrian Davis Cup player lost to Benoit Paire in four short sets.

By Jens Huiber from New York City

The sun no longer played a role in the National Tennis Center early on Tuesday evening – but the hot wind that swept over the facility did not make it any easier for the players than around noon. Benoit Paire and Dennis Novak still played their entry fee.

In the end, after a playing time of 3:05 hours, the Frenchman was just in front with 7:6 (6), 3:6, 7:5 and 7:6 (5).

Novak started well, leading three times with a break in the first run – and could not confirm the advantage once. In the tiebreak the qualifier made up a 2:6 deficit against his favourite pair – just to look through his fingers in the end.

At the beginning of the second movement Severin Lüthi also gathered in the stands of Court 8. Roger Federer’s coach, whose protégé would probably be waiting for the winner in round two, saw a Benoit Paire who continued to make offers to Dennis Novak. For the time being, however, Novak continued to reject it with thanks. With a double mistake Paire had to help Novak to 5:3, the next chance to fix a set win with his own serve.

A double mistake in the first set point, a completely failed return from Paire. Compensation. Head coach Günter Bresnik was satisfied.

Also at the beginning of set three, where Novak took the lead again with a break on his 25th birthday. Paire, however, managed to equal the score in his eighth game and then had momentum on his side. After 2:14 hours Paire took the lead again.

And retired for the first time in front of Mohamed Lahyani’s referee’s chair.

Without any major effect: Novak started set four again with a break. And actually took a 3-1 lead. A few minutes later it was 4:3 for Paire, Novak sent a ball into the New York evening sky after the Frenchman equalised. Nevertheless, set four was also decided in the tie-break.

Paire got off to a better start, Novak approached 2-3 and then made a double mistake. The Frenchman took a 6-3 lead, Novak fought off two match points. At the third, his return got stuck on the net. An unfortunate end to a birthday on which Dennis Novak fought to the death.

Here is the men’s single tableau at the US Open 2018