KITZBÜHEL, July 30, 2018

Main draw action kicked off on Monday at the General Open in Kitzbühel, the final 2018 clay-court tournament on the ATP World Tour, which is located in the Alps in the Tyrol region of Austria and is one of the most picturesque venues in tennis.

The local favourites headlined the action with wild card entry Dennis Novak beating qualifier Jurij Rodionov 6-4, 0-6, 6-1 on Centre Court. 19-year-old Rodionov appeared in his first main draw match. Novak outpointed the teenager 82-79 to prevail after one hour and 40 minutes.

Dennis Novak and Dominic Thiem on the lake Schwarzsee (photo: Mia Knoll)

“Of course this was a new situation today, but I have not played so many matches on the ATP World Tour yet,” said Novak.

“My performance in the second set was horrible. I really thought that things could not go on like this. Then I ran to the bathroom and refreshed myself. I’m glad to find back into the match during the final set. It wasn’t my best match but I am through to the next round and that’s what counts in the end.”

The 24-year-old from Wiener Neustadt will play Dusan Lajovic in the second round. The No. 8 seed from Serbia defeated Guillermo Garcia-López from Spain 6-4, 6-2.

Munar with comeback win

#NextGenATP Spaniard Jaume Munar rallied past German qualifer Yannick Hanfmann 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-1 to face fourth seeded Dutchman and two-time Kitzbühel champion Robin Haase.

Qualifier Denis Istomin from Uzbekistan edged past Federico Delbonis of Argentina 7-6(5), 6-2 to set a second round clash with No. 2 seed and defending champion Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Photo Gallery (by Brigitte Urban):