The Austrian Open 2023 is now underway, as the first rounds of the qualification matches are played.
Players are now competing in the men's singles, women's singles, and mixed doubles events, with further matches scheduled later today.
In the men's singles qualification draw, Christian Faust Kjær, who clinched a men’s singles bronze medal in the 2022 European Junior Championships, is now ready to take on the challenge in the second qualification match after his first win in the opening match. The Danish talent also partners with William Kryger Boe in the men's doubles, playing their first match later today.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria's Kaloyana Nalbantova, who has given impressive performances in the European Circuit in the women's singles, has already made a strong statement in the mixed doubles category. Paired with Stilian Makarski, Nalbantova emerged victorious in their first qualification match, triumphing over Hungary's Zoltan Szele and Agnes Korosi, 21-13 21-14.
The home crowd has reasons to cheer as well. The Austrian duo of Christian Tomic and Sarah Dlapka secured a convincing win in their opening qualification round. Wolfgang Gnedt, seeded as number ten in the men's singles qualification draw, has also emerged victorious in his first round match against Belgium’s Charles Fouyn, 21-10 21-14.
Plenty more action to come
There are many more matches to be played today, with more rounds in the qualification to come. Who will make it to the main draw?