NEWS
Joel Schwärzler narrowly loses in first Vienna qualification round
His opponent shows better timing in three sets.
In the final qualification round for the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, an all-Austrian clash was narrowly avoided.
Schwärzler, from Vorarlberg, loses to Frenchman Titouan Droguet, who is over 100 places ahead of him in the world rankings, 3:6, 6:3, 5:7.
Schwärzler had good opportunities to win the first set. At 3:3, he squandered three break points in one game. The momentum then shifted to Droguet's side, who won all remaining games of the set.
Droguet wins thanks to better timing
After that, the 20-year-old found his rhythm again, quickly broke for a 2:0 lead and maintained the upper hand until the end of the set, winning 6:3.
The end of the third set turned into a thriller. Schwärzler led 2:0, but had to concede a re-break shortly after. At 4:4, Schwärzler missed a break chance at an optimal moment and couldn't take a 5:4 lead.
Droguet did better, to the dismay of the home fans, and converted his first match point on Schwärzler's serve to win 7:5.
The Frenchman will face Lukas Neumayer in the final round of qualification for the main draw.
