TULLN/STARNBERG, September 6, 2025
Just a few hours after falling in the singles semifinal to a red-hot opponent, Austrian Joel Schwaerzler bounced back in style, capturing the NÖ Open powered by EVN doubles crown alongside partner Neil Oberleitner. While the singles final on Sunday will feature Argentina against the Czech Republic, Schwaerzler already ensured a home triumph for the local fans.
The semifinal Saturday began with the NÖTV Future Stars Exhibition, where U18 prospects Flo Doleys and Bastian Berenz showcased their talent on Center Court, with Doleys edging out his compatriot in a tight 9:7 set. The stage was then set for the singles clash between crowd favorite Schwaerzler and the experienced Marco Trungelliti.
It was a battle of contrasts: the left-handed Austrian relying on his explosive power against the Argentine right-hander, who mixed pace and spin with a veteran’s mastery. Trungelliti struck first, breaking early and consolidating with crafty drop shots, clever serve variations, and bold return attacks to take the opening set 6-4. The second set followed a similar pattern: Schwärzler fought back after being broken but immediately conceded the re-break. At 5-3, Trungelliti once again broke serve to seal the match 6-4, 6-3, booking his place in the final and the chance to compete for his fifth ATP Challenger Tour career title.
Eyes on the prize
Marco Trungelliti takes down home favorite Schwaerzler 6-4, 6-3 in Tulln to secure his second Challenger final of the season#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/GzmoOD99lF
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) September 6, 2025
Schwaerzler’s coach during the NÖ Open, Sebastian Beutel, offered perspective: “It was a very attractive match, but against such a clever and experienced opponent, Joel’s aggressive tennis was not always enough. Still, these are important steps for his development.”
The second semifinal brought another surprise. No. 5 seed Santiago Rodriguez Taverna faced doubles specialist Andrew Paulson, who entered the main draw with a protected ranking. After an intense first set that the Argentine edged 7-5, Paulson fought back, aided by an arm injury that disrupted his opponent’s rhythm. With fearless play and sharp returns, Paulson turned the match around 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 to reach his first ATP Challenger singles final — the biggest success of his singles career so far. “After struggling with severe back problems for two years and barely winning any singles matches, this feels like a dream. Tomorrow I just want to enjoy it,” Paulson said.
The day concluded with the doubles final, where Oberleitner and Schwaerzler took on the battle-hardened Ukrainian pair Oleg Prihodko and Vitaliy Sachko. The Austrians, cheered on by a packed and vocal crowd, showcased attacking flair but were edged out 7-5 in the opening set. Undeterred, they regrouped with energy and team spirit, breaking for 4-2 in the second and riding the momentum to level the match 6-3.
The championship came down to a dramatic match tiebreak, where the home favorites held their nerve. At 9-7, Oberleitner’s searing return sealed the 5-7, 6-3, 10-7 victory — and with it the first Austrian title in Tulln since Lucas Miedler and Alex Erler’s triumph in 2022.
Receiving the trophy from Tulln’s mayor Peter Eisenschenk, Schwaerzler summed up a memorable week: “It has been a fantastic tournament for me. Of course, I am very happy about winning the doubles title with Neil, but also reaching the singles semifinal. To finish with a trophy here in Tulln feels amazing!”
