PULLACH, August 6, 2018
Sebastian Ofner headlined Monday’s start into the main draw of the Isar Open. The 22-year-old Austrian knocked out No. 8 seed Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-3, 6-4.
Ofner fired 13 aces, winning 83 per cent of his first service points to seal victory in one hour and 26 minutes.
“It was solid performance today. I played some consistent tennis here,” Ofner was pleased afterwards. “The last eight months were difficult for me but it’s getting better now. I won my first Challenger in Astana, unfortunately lost in the first round in Kitzbühel, but with a tough draw (against Martin Klizan).
“The tournament here looks very nice. Everything seems to be organized very well. Centre Court is great.”
Youngsters prevail
Alen Avidzba of Russia, who entered his only third main draw at ATP Challenger level as lucky loser, defeated German veteran Florian Mayer 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. The 18-year-old outpointed his experienced opponent 96-89 to finish a topsy-turvy encounter in one hour and 51 minutes.
Pedro Martínez outlasted Germany’s Oscar Otte in the longest match of the day. The #NextGenATP Spaniard withstood 14 aces, hitting four of his own to secure a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 win in two hours and 10 minutes.
“It was a tough match. I just tried to be there and take my opportunities. It’s an important win for me,” Martínez commented.
Earlier in the day, the quartet of Gianluca Mager from Italy, Kevin Krawietz of Germany, Kimmer Coppejans from Belgium and Swedish teenager Mikael Ymer passed the final round of the qualifying to clinch a spot in the main draw.
