PREMATURE CELEBRATION BY OFNER COSTS HIM SPOT IN AUSTRALIAN OPEN
After his early victory celebration in the Australian Open qualifiers on Wednesday turned into a nightmare collapse against Nishesh Basavareddy, Sebastian Ofner might never forget the rules of the sport again. When Austrian Ofner defeated 20-year-old American Basavareddy 6-1 in the decisive set tiebreak, it appeared that he would advance to the next round.
Ofner, however, seemed to forget that final-set tiebreaks require 10 points to win rather than the customary seven, as he started to celebrate after winning another point to take a 7-1 lead and strode confidently towards the net.
Ofner trudged back to the baseline with a sheepish expression on his face as he saw his mistake, but the damage was already done because Basavareddy had all the inspiration he needed.
Following a remarkable comeback, Basavareddy scored eight of the next nine points before pulling off an incredible 4-6 6-4 7-6 (13-11) triumph. While a dejected Ofner could only shake hands and wonder what could have been, Basavareddy celebrated his incredible return by first placing his hands at his neck in a "choking" gesture before pumping his fist.
The American, who earned his stripes as a wildcard last year by defeating 10-time champion Novak Djokovic in the opening set before being ousted, found the triumph especially satisfying.
Sebastian Ofner celebrated victory at 7-1 up in the tiebreak… he didn’t know it went to 10
— Barstool Tennis (@StoolTennis) January 14, 2026
Nishesh Basavareddy would go on to win the match after saving two match points… plus a choking emote
Insanity at Australian Open Quals
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