On August 24, 2024, the 1st Schwechat Pickleball Open, the first outdoor tournament of the Pickleball Federation Austria, took place on the outdoor tennis courts of Tennisweber in Schwechat. The tournament proved to be a great success, attracting numerous players from all over Austria and beyond. The event featured five different competitions: Juniors, Women, Open Class, Mixed, and Beginners, covering a wide range of players and skill levels.
Outstanding Performances in All Categories
Local heros Jochen Nowak and Josip Franjicevic dominated the Open Category, securing the victory beating Austrian Champions Martin Kova and Filip Markovic in the final. In the women’s category, Hajnalka Szabo and Ramona Ambrus-Rácz continued their winning streak. The Hungarians remain undefeated in Austria. The Mixed Doubles was won by Martin Kova and Ashley Simpson, who left the competition behind with their dynamic play.
Particularly pleasing was the outcome of the junior and beginner categories, where young talents showcased their skills. In the Junior Doubles, Bence Török and Anna Rupf from Hungary emerged victorious in the Junior draw, while in the Beginners category, the youth players Nicolas Palka and Elias Bratic triumphed. The success of these young players shows that the future of Pickleball in Austria looks promising.
An Outstanding Tournament at a Top Location
PFA President Peter Robic praised the event as “a huge success.” The choice of venue, Tennisweber in Schwechat, proved to be spot on. The 1st TC Kaiserebersdorf – Tennisweber offered the best outdoor playing facilities in Austria, benefiting both the players and the spectators. The hard courts were perfectly prepared and provided ideal conditions for exciting matches.
Supporting Program and Organization
In addition to the sporting highlights, there was much on offer for participants and spectators off the courts. A barbecue buffet provided food and drink and offered an opportunity to socialize and make new contacts in a relaxed atmosphere. The organization of the tournament also ran smoothly, significantly contributing to the positive overall impression.
Conclusion
The 1st Schwechat Pickleball Open was not only a sporting highlight but also an important step for the Pickleball scene in Austria. With two wins in five categories, the home club showed a strong performance. The high number of participants and the positive feedback from players and spectators suggest that this tournament will become a regular fixture in the annual Pickleball calendar.
The Pickleball Federation Austria has impressively demonstrated with this event that it is capable of organizing top-class tournaments while also promoting grassroots sports. We are already looking forward to the next edition of the Schwechat Pickleball Open and more exciting tournaments in the future!
Find the draws on RankedIn and your matches on DUPR. A photo gallery is on Facebook.
