Smooth victory

Schwärzler wins the qualifying final in Valencia

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer/Kronenzeitung)

Joel Schwärzler from Vorarlberg is through to the main competition at the ATP Challenger tournament in Valencia, Spain. In the duel between the youngsters, the 18-year-old beat 17-year-old local hero Andres Santamarta Roig 6:2 and 6:4 after 96 minutes. Now the world number 142 Vit Kopriva (Tch) awaits.

After the Harder, who is currently ranked 375th in the ATP world rankings, lost to local hero Francisco Rocha (25/ATP no. 720) 5:7 and 3:6 in the first qualifying round of the Challenger in Braga, Portugal, last week, he spent a training week in Barcelona, where he met FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, among others.

An encounter that obviously gave the young player from Vorarlberg wings. Schwärzler, who has also recently become a BMW testimonial, put in a strong performance in qualifying for the Challenger tournament in Valencia. 

Unstoppable - now Kopriva awaits
In the first round, he eliminated the Romanian Mihnea Maftei after a brief lull, ultimately winning 6:1, 5:7, 6:1. And in the deciding match for a place in the main draw, he also left nothing to be desired. Even though the Spanish local hero Andres Santamarta Roig put up a brave fight, Schwärzler was still able to step up in the decisive situations. Without having to give up his service even once, he celebrated a smooth 6:2, 6:4 victory.
In the main competition, the Vorarlberg native will now face Vit Kopriva from the Czech Republic. The current world number 142 is seeded sixth in Valencia.