Ofner's Premature Celebration Triggers Epic Collapse in Australian Open Qualifiers Upset

From 7-1 Super Tiebreak Lead to Shock Loss: Ofner's Early Celebration Sparks Basavareddy's Insane Comeback

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 14/01/2026 à 07h52

1 min to read

Basavareddy Nishesh Ofner Sebastian Open d'Australie

Sebastian Ofner is sure to remember his Australian Open 2026 for a long time. The Austrian, world No. 131, had dominated August Holmgren (6-4, 6-4) in the first round of qualifying, and was facing Nishesh Basavareddy for a spot in the final round.

The new charge of French coach Gilles Cervara, who reached the semifinals of the Next Gen ATP Finals last month, proved a formidable opponent for Ofner in this match.

It showed during the match, as even though the No. 19 seed in qualifying took the lead on the scoreboard, the young American refused to fold, capturing the second set. Ultimately, it came down to a 10-point super tiebreak to decide between the two players.

Ofner Celebrates Victory Too Early… Before Losing

The 29-year-old pulled well clear in the super tiebreak, leading 6-1. He then picked up another point on return to go up 7-1.

But the Austrian made a critical error, thinking he had finally sealed the win. The former world No. 37 celebrated a victory he hadn't yet earned. A pivotal moment, as the unbelievable then unfolded.

Basavareddy, down 7-1 and then 8-4, fought back into it. Confronted by a rattled Ofner who piled up the errors, the American saved two match points before prevailing (4-6, 6-4, 7-6 in 2h30). He will next face George Loffhagen, No. 211 in the ATP rankings, with a shot at the main draw in Melbourne.