PREVIEW | IRELAND V AUSTRIA

Irish team search for monumental upset against Thiem and co. at UL

By Stephen Higgins | 2 February 2024

Almost 5,000 spectators are expected this weekend at the University of Limerick as Ireland take on a supremely gifted Austrian side in the Davis Cup World Group I play-off.

Austrian captain Jurgen Melzer has called up singles stars Dominic Thiem and Sebastian Ofner alongside the excellent doubles pair of Lucas Miedler and Alexander Erler.

The draw was made on Friday afternoon at UL. Ireland’s Michael Agwi will commence proceedings on Saturday against the former US Open champion and world no.3, Dominic Thiem, in singles.

Agwi, who’s ranked 935th in the world, comes to Limerick with some confidence after reaching the final of the Cadolzburg ITF event last month. But he appreciates the task he has before him.

“Of course it’s a big name,” said Agwi. “I’m really excited to play him. Obviously, I’ve no pressure because I’m the underdog. Just try my best, get out there and have some fun. Try to make some trouble!”

There could hardly be a steeper obstacle at this level than Thiem, who has beaten Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in his illustrious career.

While the 30-year-old is yet to recover peak form after a wrist injury, Thiem is still 90 in the world rankings and is glad to be back representing his country.

“Very excited. It’s been one year. I really wanted to play in September against Portugal but there were problems with [my] stomach. Happy to be back and as well it’s my first time in Ireland which is very nice. We are travelling a lot but mostly the same countries, so it’s cool to make a new experience,” said Thiem.

The second singles will see Osgar Ó’Hoisín (no.1015) take on the world no.40 Sebastian Ofner. Like Agwi, the 27-year-old Dubliner will hope for a monumental upset against a man who reached the fourth round of Roland Garros last season.

The Sunday doubles are expected to feature Connor Gannon and David O’Hare against the world class partnership of Miedler and Erler. The Austrian pair won three titles together last year in Acapulco, Kitzbuhel and Munich and will be heavy favourites.

While the odds are firmly stacked against a home victory, captain Conor Niland aims to help his side retain their focus.

“I think it’s just to manage the emotions. I don’t think they’re going to need any extra motivation. It’s just about being somebody they can bounce things off before and during the match. I try not to give an overload of information. Just giving them one or two things and trying to keep them as calm as possible so they can perform…It’s about being ready for anything. But they’ve prepared great and we’re excited.”

As a proud Limerick man, Niland is also delighted that such a glamorous tie will be staged in his home city in front of a packed arena.

“It’s kind of surreal to be honest to see a grand slam champion hitting on a court in UL and gearing up. We’ve been on a bit of a journey as a team the last few years. We’ve gone to some pretty interesting places. So to bring it back home, for me personally, is actually pretty special.”

Ireland v Austria will start at 12pm this Saturday February 3rd and can be viewed on Premier Sports 2. I’ll be posting updates throughout the weekend on my Twitter too.