MAUTHAUSEN/STARNBERG, April 27, 2026
The main draw of the Danube Upper Austria Open powered by SKE got underway on Monday, but it proved to be a disappointing day for the home players. Despite determined efforts, all Austrian contenders were eliminated in the opening round.
Sebastian Sorger pushed last year’s finalist Tomas Barrios Vera to the limit in a hard-fought encounter. After a difficult start, the Austrian—slightly hampered by a toe injury—bounced back impressively to take the second set and keep the decider close. However, Barrios Vera ultimately prevailed 6-1, 2-6, 6-4. “The first set was a disaster, I couldn’t find any rhythm,” Sorger admitted. “After that I just tried to stay in rallies and fight my way back.”
On Centre Court, wildcard entry Matthias Ujvary faced a tough challenge against third seed Hugo Gaston. The Frenchman delivered a dominant performance, leaving Ujvary little chance in a quick 6-0, 6-1 victory.
The most dramatic match of the day came in the evening, as 2022 champion Jurij Rodionov battled US-American Darwin Blanch in a thrilling three-set contest. Rodionov started strongly, taking the opening set 6-1, but the momentum shifted as Blanch leveled the match.
The deciding set turned into a tense showdown. Rodionov saved three match points at 4-5 and fought his way back, even earning chances of his own at 6-5. In the final tiebreak, the Austrian led 6-2 but was unable to close it out, as Blanch staged a remarkable comeback to win 8-6.
“After a match like that, you’re almost lost for words,” Rodionov said. “Right now it’s just frustration and disappointment. I can’t remember the last time I lost a match after having match points. In the tiebreak I became too nervous and too passive.”
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
