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Sebastian Offener learned a hard lesson in an Australian Open qualifier: you don’t win until the last ball. The 29-year-old Austrian threw up his hands and walked to the net, thinking he was done for after leading 7-1 in a super tiebreaker. But the chair umpire pulled him back, reminding him that victory requires at least 10 points and a two-point margin.
Minutes later, the dream was shattered. Basavarati, a 20-year-old American, turned the match around to win 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(11). Offener wasted two match point opportunities, and Basavarati finished with a “kush choking” gesture with his hands around his neck. This was a psychological sign of his victory.
Basavarati now faces George Loughanan of England for a chance to advance to the first round of the main draw. It's a significant step, especially considering that last year the youngster managed to take the first set against Novak Djokovic.
This is a cautionary tale for all: only the last ball counts.
Minutes later, the dream was shattered. Basavarati, a 20-year-old American, turned the match around to win 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(11). Offener wasted two match point opportunities, and Basavarati finished with a “kush choking” gesture with his hands around his neck. This was a psychological sign of his victory.
Basavarati now faces George Loughanan of England for a chance to advance to the first round of the main draw. It's a significant step, especially considering that last year the youngster managed to take the first set against Novak Djokovic.
This is a cautionary tale for all: only the last ball counts.