ATP: Refreshing chat with Ofner and Novak

Dennis Novak and Sebastian Ofner answered journalists’ questions during the press talk at the ATP tournament in Vienna and gave refreshing details of their season.

Maximilian Kisanyik reports from the Vienna City Hall

The first main round day of the ATP-500 tournament in Vienna began with a chat with two crowd-pullers – especially for the home fans. Dennis Novak and Sebastian Ofner casually settled down at the press conference.

In addition to top star Dominic Thiem, the Austrians have two more young players on their way. In the qualifying finals, Novak played into the main field with a great performance and will meet top 10 player Grigor Dimitrov next Wednesday,”Of course, everyone knows Dimitrov and everyone knows how to play. It will be a difficult match, but I’m looking forward to it,”the 24-year-old told the press.

Ofner sat down in the armchair at Novak’s side. After reaching the third round in Wimbledon and the semi-finals in Kitzbühel, the 21-year-old had to overcome a small depression in his form – which is supposed to be history now:”After Wimbledon, I had too little training and then had to play against players at Challenger tournaments who suddenly had an extra motivation against me. I feel good and look forward to the tournament,”Ofner admitted.

The youngster was particularly pleased with the prize money won in London, which should be around 90,000 euros, and made a refreshingly open confession:”Of course, something like this saves the season and it’s great that I end up with a plus. One season can cost as little as 40,000 euros,”says the Austrian. With the rest of the money, he had already given himself headphones and a new laptop, he explained carefreely and sympathetically.

Ofner will start into the tournament on Tuesday against the Frenchman Lucas Pouille. The Center Court is not new territory for the man from Bruck an der Mur, however:”I played here last year, so it’s not exactly new. The Center Court is big and I look forward to it,”added Ofner.

For his buddy Novak it will be his first appearance in the main week in the Wiener Stadthalle. The goal for the coming weeks is clear:”I would like to enjoy this and collect enough points for the qualification of the Australian Open in the coming weeks,”the Lower Austrian said.

Both players agreed that the atmosphere at home will be decisive. Ofner in particular is hoping for a lot of support:”Playing here is of course an extra motivation. Of course, people have to push, so it’s easier,”says the 21-year-old,” but the local heroes don’t have to worry about the support of the local audience.

The single panel in Vienna