What's at stake
Everything. The winner of this second and final qualification round will travel directly to the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna (November 24 to 29). Defending champions and hosts Italy are automatically qualified. In the Prater, it's all or nothing: The loser is out. No return match, no second chance, no replacement.
Austria secured their ticket for this showdown in Tokyo. In February, the score at the Ariake Coliseum was 2:2 after four matches. In the decisive fifth match, Jurij Rodionov lost the first set against Yoshihito Nishioka — and won the subsequent two 6:1 and 6:0. Earlier, Lukas Neumayer had leveled the score at 2:2 with a 6:3, 6:3 win against Japan's number one Shintaro Mochizuki. Final score: 3:2 for Austria.
In the Prater, the tie begins on Friday, September 18, at 1 PM. An electrifying atmosphere is guaranteed.
The roles are clearly defined
Belgium arrives in Vienna as the favorite. The visitors bring two players from the top 40, US Open quarter-finalist Alexander Blockx and Zizou Bergs. In doubles, Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen are expected, a well-coordinated duo with extensive Davis Cup experience.
Melzer accepts his team's underdog role, but at the same time refers to the recent past: Austria was also an underdog against Hungary a year ago and still won. "The Davis Cup simply has its own rules," says the captain.
That's exactly where the appeal lies. No other tennis competition makes the spectators such a crucial factor as the Davis Cup. No tournament bracket, no ranking pressure, no second round. Two nations, five matches, one spot in the Final 8. On clay. In the Prater. Before a crowd close enough to swing a match.
The Squad
Melzer is banking on Jurij Rodionov, Lukas Neumayer, and doubles specialist Lucas Miedler, who ranks among the world's top doubles players. Additionally, Joel Schwärzler and Neil Oberleitner will make their debuts.
The season's record for the singles players reads better than their world rankings might suggest: Schwärzler has won two Challenger titles this year, Neumayer has won two finals, and Rodionov has reached three finals. It was Rodionov and Neumayer who decided the tie in Tokyo — Neumayer leveled the score, and Rodionov secured the decisive point.
Two Days. Five Matches. Only One Winner.
Friday, September 18, from 1:00 PM, the first two singles matches will be played. Afterwards, the Techno Cafe After Party @VOLEE will take place at the WAC — admission is included in every Friday day ticket.
Saturday, September 19, from 11:00 AM, the doubles match and then two more singles matches are scheduled. The fifth match only if necessary — and if it is necessary, it decides everything.
4,000 SEATS. TWO DAYS. THEN THE DAVIS CUP IS GONE AGAIN.
The stadium at the WAC accommodates 4,000 people. This is an opportunity not to be missed – after all, it took 18 years for the Davis Cup to return to Vienna after its last appearance in the capital. Those attending on Friday will see two singles matches and then celebrate at the Techno Cafe After Party @VOLEE — admission is included in the day ticket. Those coming on Saturday will experience the doubles match and the decider. If you don't want to miss anything, take both days.
Children up to 15 pay half price. Discounted tickets are available for pupils, students, and apprentices. And for those who want to be right at the heart of the action, the VIP area offers catering and the best view of the venue.
