The players were delighted with their first impressions and took the opportunity to exchange views with Austrian tennis legend Thomas Muster. The relaxed conversations covered tennis, the unique features of the tournament and the anticipation ahead of the upcoming matches. There was also plenty of time for souvenir photos with the former world No. 1.
“Welcome to the Erste Bank Open! It is wonderful to have all of you here in Vienna. Following last year’s successful premiere, we have expanded the tournament from six to eight players, further enhancing the competition. You will receive a major stage and plenty of attention here – something you absolutely deserve through your performances. Our goal is to continue growing wheelchair tennis at the Erste Bank Open over the coming years,” explained Tournament Director Herwig Straka.
Thomas Muster was equally impressed by the quality of the field and expressed his great respect for the athletes: “What you achieve on the tennis court deserves the highest respect. You are outstanding athletes, and it is fantastic to have you here at the Erste Bank Open. I am looking forward to some exciting matches and wish all of you a great tournament.”
World-class field featuring two Austrians
The second edition of the wheelchair tennis tournament presented by win2day promises tennis of the highest standard. British star Alfie Hewett, Spain’s Martín de la Puente and defending champion Gordon Reid give the field three players ranked inside the world’s top five. The international line-up is completed by Italian star Luca Arca, German No. 1 Christoph Wilke and South Africa’s Alwande Sikhosana.
Austria’s hopes rest on Nico Langmann and Maximilian Taucher. While Austrian No. 1 and Playing Ambassador Langmann competed in last year’s successful premiere, 18-year-old Taucher from Vorarlberg is making his first appearance at the Erste Bank Open.
The six-time junior Grand Slam champion faces a major test in his opening match: The reigning Austrian champion takes on world No. 2 Alfie Hewett in the quarter-finals. Langmann faces Luca Arca, whom he has already defeated once this year. The winners of the two matches will meet in Friday’s semi-finals.
Plenty of action on the Fairplay Court
Following the Players’ Welcome, attention turns to the on-court action. Alwande Sikhosana and defending champion Gordon Reid open the programme on the Fairplay Court at the Marx Halle from 12:30 pm on Thursday. They will be followed by Christoph Wilke and second seed Martín de la Puente.
After two ATP doubles matches, the stage belongs to the Austrian players. Nico Langmann first takes on Italy’s Luca Arca, before Maximilian Taucher makes his Erste Bank Open debut against top seed Alfie Hewett.
The semi-finals will be held at the Marx Halle on Friday. Fans can also look forward to two doubles exhibitions, with Langmann and Taucher teaming up in one of them.
The highlight follows on Saturday, when the final takes place on Centre Court at the Wiener Stadthalle from 12:30 pm. Before that, there will be more action at the Marx Halle, with another exhibition scheduled – further details will follow.
