Davis Cup | Austria Sweep Tenacious Irish Team

Austria claim doubles and singles on day two to clinch Group I play-off

By Stephen Higgins | 4 February 2024

Austria's Lucas Miedler during the Davis Cup tie with Ireland
Lucas Miedler was the star performe on day two as he helped Austria to two points | Crosscourt View

Despite a valiant effort from the Irish players on Sunday, Austria claimed the crucial third and fourth rubbers to take the tie at the UL Sport Arena.

Day two opened with doubles between Austria's top 40 pair, Alexander Erler and Lucas Miedler, and Ireland's Conor Gannon and David O'Hare. After a very entertaining tussle, the visitors overcame a late fightback from the Irish to eventually triumph 6-1 7-5 (5).

The Austrian duo started sharply and comfortably ran through the opening set before the Irishmen raised their games with the help of a raucous Limerick crowd.

The atmosphere in Castletroy was magnificent to witness as the Irish specators encouraged the team, and competed with a small, but noisy Austrian fanbase.

Conor Gannon and David O'Hare during the Davis Cup tie between Ireland and Austria
Conor Gannon and David O'Hare enjoy the raucous support in Limerick 丨 Crosscourt View

O'Hare and Gannon certainly responded to the moment in the second set as they forced their much higher ranked opponents to a tie-break. Unfortunately for the home crowd, the Irish pair could not hold onto a 5-4 lead in the breaker. Miedler and Erler won the next three points and captured the vital third point for Austria.

In the fourth match, a singles, Michael Agwi continued his excellent form from the previous day against the late substitute Miedler. Sebastian Ofner was due to play the rubber.

The opening set was only decided by one break of serve as Miedler snatched the advantage in the eighth game and held on to take it 6-3.

Propelled by a flurry of aces, Agwi surged in the second and grabbed Ireland's only set of the weekend with a convincing 6-3 scoreline.

The third set was decided by a champions' tie-break and Agwi, fuelled by the momentum of the second and the support in UL, raced to an 8-3 lead.

Alas for the Irish faithful, Miedler reeled Agwi in and took the next seven points to secure the match and end the tie. The 20-year-old was disconsolate afterwards but should be immensely proud of his contribution to the weekend's action.

The final scores for the Davis Cup Group I play-off tie were as follows:

Ireland 0 - 4 Austria

Day 1 (Saturday February 3rd 2024)

Day 2 (Sunday February 4th 2024

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Dominic Thiem and Michael Agwi after their Davis Cup match

DAVIS CUP | THIEM AND OFNER GIVE AUSTRIA 2-0 LEAD AFTER DAY 1

Austria on the cusp of victory in Limerick after Dominic Thiem and Sebastian Ofner win opening singles