Neither Haas nor Waber had expected that a trip to the US Open would be possible. Since there was no qualification in New York this year, a loss of around 20 players in the seeding list in front of Haas seemed utopian. But the concern of many players in the matter of corona virus brought the Upper Austrian to a first round duel with the former number one Viktoria Asarenka from Belarus on Tuesday.
“We didn’t expect so many players to cancel. It’s a happy coincidence, but not undeserved either, ”Waber is quoted as saying in an APA interview. “Babsi made giant strides into the top 100 in March, she played great and consistently performed at the top 100 level.” However, she suffered a protracted wrist injury during the coronavirus break due to overload. Waber: “She couldn’t play tennis for four months.”
Waber (r.) Is happy about the unexpected test for his protégé
This injury has now healed, but the Upper Austrian lacks match practice. Nevertheless, slipping into the US Open comes as it is called. “There is the financial aspect, and you can train with good people,” said Waber about the first round salary of 61,000 US dollars (51,195.97 euros). “This finances part of the next season,” said the coach.
High hurdle at the beginning
They are less happy with their first opponent: Asarenka also did a great job in Flushing Meadows for the US Open and was in the final of the WTA Premier tournament originally planned in Cincinnati on Saturday. “There isn’t a much more difficult opponent. She is in top form and full of self-confidence, ”said Waber. The former number one Asarenka is one of the best in the world and is only so far behind in the ranking because of the custody disputes over her child.
The game against Asarenka will be Haas’ second main competitive match in one of the four major tournaments – the only time so far was also at the US Open four years ago. At that time, the 24-year-old made it into the main competition through qualification. The three set defeat against the Hungarian Timea Babos was also the last single appearance of an Austrian in one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in the “Main Draw”.
In her only appearance in a main competition four years ago, Haas only got the short straw after three sets
Haas alone in the wide hallway
In any case, the former Fed Cup captain Waber believes in his protégé. “Anyone who knows tennis knows that the direction is right,” said the coach. After all, the Upper Austrian also played twice on the Tour double finals. “The next three, four, five years will definitely be your best,” said Waber. Domestic competition is currently not in sight, according to the Upper Austrian: “In (domestic) women’s tennis, apart from Barbara, I don’t see many who are coming up now.”
Waber will not be able to look after his number one on the spot due to an expired tourist visa. The time to apply for a new visa was too short due to Haas’ short-term participation in the main competition. After a call, doubles specialist Jürgen Melzer agreed, the 24-year-old world number 139. to help out. “I just don’t want her to be all alone over there at such a time,” said Waber. It is not a coaching activity, but Melzer will pass on information to Wabers and help Haas.
