Ofner misses Australian Open spot after a scoring mistake during the final round of qualifying in Melbourne. Following a collapse in the deciding set tiebreak. The loss ended his bid to reach the main draw.
Final qualifying match
Ofner played the last round of Australian Open qualifying on January 14. The match went three sets against American player Nishesh Basavareddy. Ofner won the first set 6-4. Basavareddy took the second set 6-4. The match moved to a deciding third set. The final set required a match tiebreak under qualifying rules. The winner needed ten points with a two point margin.
Ofner misses Australian Open spot after tiebreak error
Ofner built a large lead in the match tiebreak. He reached seven points while Basavareddy had one. Ofner celebrated at 7-1, believing the match was over. The match tiebreak rule required ten points to win. Play resumed after the error. Basavareddy remained eligible to continue. Momentum shifted after the interruption. Basavareddy won eight of the next nine points. He closed the tiebreak 13-11. The final score read 4-6, 6-4, 7-6.
Ofner misses Australian Open spot as opponent rallies
Basavareddy capitalized on the opportunity created by the scoring confusion. He maintained focus during the extended tiebreak. His run of points overturned the deficit. The win secured his place in the Australian Open main draw. Basavareddy celebrated after converting match point. The victory marked one of the longest tiebreak finishes in qualifying.
Qualification ending
The loss eliminated Ofner from Australian Open qualifying. He did not secure a main draw position through the standard qualifying pathway. Entry now depends on late withdrawals and lucky loser selection. No confirmation followed regarding alternate entry. The defeat ended his immediate Melbourne campaign. Basavareddy advanced after completing the comeback. He previously gained attention at the Australian Open during earlier appearances.
Ofner misses Australian Open spot due to a late scoring error under match tiebreak rules. The collapse occurred during the final qualifying hurdle and decided the outcome of his Grand Slam bid.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/ofners-premature-celebration-costs-him-australian-open-spot-epic-collapse-2026-01-14/
