Austria's Davis Cup team announced without Ofner due to injury

Austria's Davis Cup captain Jürgen Melzer has reduced the squad to four players for the upcoming home tie against Belgium in Vienna, one month before the match. Sebastian Ofner will not participate due to recurring heel issues.

Instead of Ofner, Melzer has nominated Jurij Rodionov (ATP-134), Joel Schwärzler (150) for his first Davis Cup appearance, Lukas Neumayer (171), and doubles specialist Lucas Miedler (Doubles-26) for the September 18/19 duel. Melzer is relying on three of the five players who secured a 3-2 victory against Japan in February, paving the way for potential qualification for the Final 8 in Bologna. However, his final decision, including the fifth squad member, will be made after the US Open in New York.

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Sebastian has informed me in a conversation that he does not feel 100 percent fit due to his heel problems.

The nominated singles trio has collectively reached eight ATP Challenger finals this year. Schwärzler has won two titles, Rodionov has reached three finals, and Neumayer has won two finals. Filip Misolic, who is returning from a plantar fascia rupture, and doubles player Alexander Erler are not currently included. Melzer stated that Ofner informed him he wasn't feeling 100 percent fit due to his heel problems. While Ofner might play a tournament that week, both agreed he shouldn't compete in the Davis Cup against a strong nation if not fully fit. Melzer is awaiting updates on Misolic and Erler's performances post-injury.

Belgium enters the tie as clear favorites, having nominated three top-40 singles players: Alexander Blockx (ATP-32), Zizou Bergs (33), and Raphael Collignon (38). Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen are slated for doubles. Despite the underdog status, Melzer expressed confidence in his team's chances, hoping to surprise with the home crowd's support. Ticket sales are progressing well, with tickets ranging from 60 to 125 euros per match day still available.

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But we still believe in our chance and hope that with the audience behind us, we can achieve the surprise.