Lucas Miedler claims third Kitzbühel doubles title and breaks into Top 20

Career leap into the Top 20

For the shared winner's check of 32,410 euros, Miedler and Polmans split the prize money. Beyond the sum itself, the title brings the Austrian a jump in the doubles rankings: as nineteenth, he is in the Top 20 of the doubles world rankings for the first time in his career.

Tough semifinal hurdle mastered with composure

Already on the way to the final, Miedler/Polmans had impressed in a high-class semifinal against Jean-Julien Rojer/Theodore Winegar of the Netherlands and the USA. After taking the first set 6:2, the pair was forced into a tiebreak in the second set, which they ultimately decided 14:12 in the match tiebreak despite losing it. In the quarterfinal against Adam Pavlasek/Patrik Rikl of the Czech Republic, as well as in the round of 16, they also showed nerves of steel.

Two Austrian pairings in the semifinals

Also noteworthy was the semifinal appearance of the second Austrian doubles team: Lukas Neumayer and Joel Schwärzler had defeated Fernando Romboli/John-Patrick Smith of Brazil and Australia in the quarterfinals and only succumbed to the top-seeded pair of Pierre-Hugues Herbert/Kevin Krawietz. For the first time in a long while, two home pairings reached the round of the final four at the traditional Tyrolean tournament at the same time.

The tournament in Kitzbühel is one of the most traditional clay-court events in Europe and is considered a dress rehearsal for the hard-court season after Wimbledon. With his latest triumph, Miedler cemented his reputation as a doubles specialist and underscored the strength of Austria's emerging doubles talent.

Polmans as a steady partner

Polmans, who had already gained experience alongside Miedler at the events in Vienna and Gstaad, proved to be the ideal complement. The Australian brought above all serving power and a reliable volleying game. The well-rehearsed chemistry between the two was a key factor in the convincing final victory.

German pairing left without a chance in the final

For the German pair of Schnaitter/Wallner, there was only second place to show for their otherwise convincing appearances in the earlier rounds. The duo had also delivered strong performances throughout the tournament, but in the final could only keep pace with the winners' high-pressure attacking game in phases.

With his third Kitzbühel title, Miedler sets another record in the tournament's history. Only a few players in the event's history have won the doubles title three times. The success gives the Austrian additional confidence for the upcoming hard-court tournaments in the second half of the season.