Two-set defeat

LIVE from 12.30 pm: Schwärzler against Seyboth Wild

Joel Schwärzler(Bild: GEPA)

Joel Schwärzler has made his first major appearance in the spotlight of the tennis scene! Although the 18-year-old from Vorarlberg lost his ATP Tour debut at the Generali Open in Kitzbühel on Monday after 1:55 hours against the Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild 2:6, 6:7(6), he once again showed his potential.

The ATP 392nd seed actually looked like the stronger player against the world number 72 in the second set. "Yes, the second set was very, very good. He was two classes better in the first set, then I had a lot of chances in the second, but he simply played better in the important moments," was the hardened analysis of the youngster, who has had a very experienced coach at his side in ÖTV Sports Director Jürgen Melzer for several years.

"There was certainly a certain amount of nervousness!"
After just eight minutes, it was already 0:3 from Schwärzler's point of view in front of over 3,000 spectators. "There was certainly a certain amount of nervousness, but not so much that I couldn't play," said the left-hander, not wanting to use this as an excuse. Nevertheless, set 1 was quickly over.

Joel Schwärzler, Thiago Seyboth Wild(Bild: GEPA)

Instead, the opening game of the second set lasted around 20 minutes, during which Schwärzler was unable to capitalize on five of a total of nine break points in the second set. He himself was dominant on serve in the second set and so it went into a tie-break. In this, the young Vorarlberg player had to concede 6:8 after a spectacularly fended off match point along the line.

"It was definitely a lot of fun!"
In the second round, Schwärzler was also in the right mood. He hadn't heard "Joel, Joel" chants so often in his young career. "It pushed me on and was definitely a lot of fun. Unfortunately it wasn't enough, I'd rather still be on the pitch now."

Schwärzler, who has already won the title in Skopje this year in his first year at ATP Challenger level, is regarded as the great young hope in domestic tennis. Especially at the tournament where Dominic Thiem is playing on clay for the last time, the expectations of the local fans are very high.

Joel Schwärzler(Bild: GEPA)

"I can learn a lot from Thiem!"
Schwärzler has completed several training sessions with Thiem over the past few days. "I really like him as a person, training with him is a lot of fun. I can learn a lot from him. They were good training sessions and certainly one of the reasons why I was able to play at a good level here," said the 18-year-old.

Thiem had already spoken to Schwärzler before and the mutual sympathy is obvious. "First of all, I really like him. That's very important for me personally, more important even than any big results. We've had two really intensive training sessions. They were really good," said Thiem. He only wishes him the best. "But I don't want to say anything because I don't want to put any pressure on him. He's at the very beginning of what I hope will be a wonderful journey."

Joel Schwärzler(Bild: GEPA)

"It's a shame that I might not be able to play against him again!"
Thiem's journey comes to an end in Vienna, when Schwärzler will be even more in the spotlight. He knows that himself. "It's a shame because the last few years haven't gone the way he wanted. But he's still had an incredible career. It's a shame for me that I might not be able to play against him again."

Schwärzler, who is in the Gamsstadt thanks to a wild card, is still in the tournament. Alongside doubles specialist Philipp Oswald, who is bidding farewell to professional tennis in Kitzbühel, he is still playing doubles alongside one of his former idols. He used to look up to Oswald because he played at the same academy in Vorarlberg as his close compatriot, Schwärzler later said.

He was asked where he sees himself in Kitzbühel in 2025. "Hopefully back in this chair, but as a winner," he said with a smile. Schwärzler's next singles appearance will be at the ATP Challenger in Liberec at the end of July.