Viennese shows off big time

“Super Mario” triumphs at the Australian Open

Mario Kargl is the "Super Mario" of Austrian tennis.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/AP, Australian Open)

Mario Kargl is the "Super Mario" of Austrian tennis. The Styrian, who lives in Vienna, won the doubles competition at the Australian Open in Melbourne with Hungarian Gabor Mathe. Austria's Deaf Sports Association thus celebrated its next major success after Melissa Köck's five gold medals at the World Ski Championships in Jasna.

Melbourne was well worth the trip for Mario Kargl. He also had a wonderful time with his wife and children away from the tennis court. But the victory with Gabor Mathe was of course the crowning glory. The Austro-Hungarian duo won all their matches, beaming together: "We really deserved this title."

Mario Kargl (right) won the doubles competition of the Australian Open for deaf athletes with Gabor Mathe.(Bild: Australian Open)

"Super Mario" was doubtful for a long time due to a knee ligament. But thanks to intensive work with physiotherapist Patrick Kasztner, he was able to compete. After two world championship titles and four medals at the Deaflympics, the Olympic Games for deaf athletes, it was the next milestone in his career.

Kargl lives for tennis. He is also a coach and sports director at the Ober St. Veiter Tennis Club in Vienna. "I used to play soccer as well, but I only play it now because my body wouldn't be able to cope with it. I'm not the youngest anymore," smiles the 38-year-old. "I actually wanted to be a skier until it really took me apart. Then my love for the ball grew." This love culminated in one of his most beautiful victories in Melbourne.