ÖTV youngster confident

Joel Schwärzler gave J. J. Wolf no chance

What an impressive performance by Joel Schwärzler at the ATP Challenger in Savannah (US)! After a furious 6:2 and 6:1 against the top-seeded local hero J. J. Wolf, the Vorarlberg native is now through to the round of 16.

Joel Schwärzler took his next big step on the ATP Tour. The 18-year-old Harder, who had already shown in recent weeks that he has arrived well in men's tennis, defeated the number one seeded local hero Jeffrey John "J. J." Wolf at the Challenger in Savanna (US) in just 1:07 hours of play. Wolf 6:2 and 6:1 in just 1:07 hours to advance to the round of 16 in no time at all.

A real cracker, because Wolf is no unknown quantity on the tour. Last year, the American was ranked among the ATP top 50, and he is currently ranked 102nd. Although the 25-year-old has not yet won an ATP title in his career, he has won matches against (former) top 10 players such as Frances Tiafoe (US).

In the round of 16 on Thursday, Schwärzler, who is currently (still) ranked 792nd in the world, will face Frenchman Calvin Hemery (94), who, like the ÖTV ace, entered the tournament unseeded.

Jump in the world rankings
With the six ATP points he has gained, the Vorarlberg native is certain of a further improvement in the world rankings. He is now currently ranked 740th in the live rankings. Another win in Savanah would take him close to the 700 mark.