TULLN/STARNBERG, September 4, 2026
Just days before the sixth edition of the NÖ Open powered by EVN, the field for the ATP Challenger 100 event in Tulln, Austria is taking shape. The three main-draw wildcards have been awarded to Filip Misolic, Sebastian Sorger and Nico Hipfl.
Misolic’s return adds a particular highlight to the tournament. After around six months on the sidelines, the 25-year-old made his comeback at the US Open this week. Tulln will now host his first tournament on Austrian soil since his lengthy injury layoff.
For Misolic, the long wait ended on Tuesday in New York. Competing in an official match for the first time in around half a year, he faced a major test right away in the opening round of the US Open against No. 24 seed Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina. Misolic competed strongly for long stretches but eventually fell to the Argentine after 2 hours and 24 minutes.
The result, however, was only part of the story for the Austrian. More importantly, his foot stood up to the demands of competitive tennis, allowing him to play without discomfort. His assessment of his return to the biggest stage was therefore highly positive.
“The comeback felt really good. I’m simply happy to be able to play again and be back on court. I was satisfied with my match in New York despite the defeat, but most importantly, I had no problems with my foot. Of course, it will still take some time before I’m back at my level. But in tennis, things can happen quickly with one or two wins and a few matches under your belt. Maybe I can take that next step in Tulln.”
The fact that his second tournament following the long break will take place in Austria makes next week even more special. Misolic is certainly no stranger to Tulln. At the inaugural edition of the NÖ Open powered by EVN in 2021, he entered with a wildcard and advanced all the way to the quarterfinals.
“I’m obviously really looking forward to Tulln. On the one hand, because I’ve only just returned to competition, and on the other because it’s a home tournament. I played really well there once before and I always enjoy playing in front of an Austrian crowd. That’s something special. Right now, I’m simply enjoying being back and being able to play tennis again.”
Alongside Misolic, Sebastian Sorger and Nico Hipfl will also receive direct entry into the main draw.
“It’s important to us to give Austrian players a platform at our tournament and the opportunity to prove themselves at international level. We are continuing that approach in Tulln after Mauthausen this year as well, and all three main-draw wildcards have gone to home players,” says tournament director Florian Leitgeb.
The main-draw ceremony will traditionally take place on Saturday evening, September 5. Just one day later, on Sunday, September 6, action will get underway at TC Tulln with the opening qualifying matches, officially marking the start of the sixth edition of the NÖ Open powered by EVN.
Until the final on September 13, the Garden City of Tulln will once again be transformed into a hub of international tennis for a full week.
