With clear goals, quiet confidence, and unmistakable determination, 17-year-old Lilli Tagger met the press on Monday ahead of her much-anticipated appearance at the LADIES OPEN Amstetten. Considered one of Austria’s brightest young tennis hopes, the junior Grand Slam champion will make her debut on the tournament’s Center Court on Tuesday and expectations are high.

The press conference drew a strong turnout from national media, eager to hear from the rising star from East Tyrol. Tagger impressed with her calm, thoughtful responses, underlining the maturity and composure that have become hallmarks of her young career.

A special stage at home

Thanks to a wildcard granted by the Austrian Tennis Federation (ÖTV), Tagger has entered directly into the main draw of the ITF World Tennis Tour W75 event and will face a qualifier in her opening match. “I played a W75 tournament in Italy last week, so I already got a good feel for the level,” she said. “I think I have a good chance to advance.”

The 17-year-old is especially energized by the chance to compete on home soil. “Playing a tournament at home is incredibly cool. The excitement is huge — I think I speak for all Austrian players when I say that,” she added.

One-handed backhand

Tagger’s game has already caught the attention of tennis insiders, in part thanks to her elegant one-handed backhand, a rarity on the women’s tour. She first adopted the stroke at age 12, winning a bet with her coach who agreed to the change if she won her next tournament. She did, and has stuck with it ever since.

When asked about her tennis inspirations, Tagger pointed to two modern stars: Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, whose aggressive and creative game she admires, and Italy’s Jannik Sinner, whose mental strength she studies closely. She revealed that she’s in regular contact with Sinner, now ranked World No. 1. As for her dream opponent? “Aryna Sabalenka, the current No. 1,” she answered without hesitation.

Eyes on the Pro Tour

Just weeks ago, Tagger captured the French Open girls’ singles title, the ultimate milestone in her junior career. She now transitions fully to the Pro Circuit with an ambitious aim: to qualify for a Grand Slam as early as next year. Assisting her on this journey is her coach Francesca Schiavone, the 2010 French Open champion and former World No. 4.

Winning the junior Grand Slam has helped bolster her confidence. “It’s given me a stronger feeling on court,” she said. Still, with success has come increased media attention. Tagger, however, remains unfazed. “I actually don’t pay much attention to what’s online, so I don’t really notice it. So far, that’s worked pretty well for me.”

Italy: A second home

At just 13, Tagger moved to Italy to pursue her tennis training full time, a decision that came with challenges. “It wasn’t easy at first,” she admitted. “I didn’t speak Italian when I arrived.” Today, she speaks the language fluently and has embraced much of what she calls the “Italian mentality.”

“Italy now feels almost like home,” the teenager said, adding that tournaments there are among her favorites. Still, playing in Austria remains something special, especially since she spends so little time in her home country these days.

For Tagger, it’s not just a homecoming – it’s the next step in a career that’s gaining momentum fast.