Verena Hofer's comeback only lasts 51 minutes

At the end of May 2019, Verena Hofer, who was once considered the greatest tennis talent in South Tyrol, declared her international tennis career over at the age of 21. After that, she only played one professional tournament, namely that of Val Gardena in October 2019, when she was eliminated in the quarter-finals. Hofer did not disappear from the tennis scene as a result (she continued to play for TC Rungg at national level), but she did not play a professional tournament again - until Monday.

Because the former U14 and U16 Italian champion is still in position 1271 in the world ranking, she was allowed to start directly in the main field in St. Ulrich - and made use of this opportunity. However, the comeback from Val Gardena was short-lived. Hofer had no chance against the Italian Nuria Brancaccio (WTA 813) and had to leave the field after just 51 minutes and a score of 1:6, 1:6. Saccani and Piccoliori get stuck in qualifying Two South Tyroleans had already been eliminated from qualifying. Silvia Saccani from Gais fought a thrilling duel against Croatian Adriana Rajkovic in the 2nd qualifying round, which was only decided after 2 hours. In the end, the Puster woman was left behind with 2:3, 6:7 (6), 3:8. The duel between Alessia Piccoliori from Val Gardena, who had to compete against Anna Turati, was clearer. The Italian is in position 10 in the world rankings (for comparison: young Piccoliori is not even listed yet) and won 577:47, 6:1 after 6 minutes.

Silvia Saccani fought bravely but was eliminated in the end. © Marco Corriero

However, there was a sense of success in doubles. There, Piccoliori and Marion Viertler from Vinschger had the upper hand against Chiesa/Rocchetti 6:1, 6:2 and are in the next round. Meanwhile, Val Gardena's Laura Mair and Caterina Odorizzi were eliminated against Giovine/Moratelli (3:6, 1:6).

Numerous South Tyrolean women will also be in action with their first round matches on Tuesday. The country's currently best tennis player, Verena Meliss (WTA 1), meets the French Selena Janicijevic (WTA 508). Wild card player Laura Mair is in action against Lisa Pigato (WTA 831), while Marion Viertler (WTA 608) wants to surprise against number 835 seed Bianca Turati (WTA 3). Verena Hofer, on the other hand, plays the doubles against Brancaccio/Zantedeschi with Maria Vittoria Viviani.

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Verena Hofer's comeback only lasts 51 minutes

Verena Hofer played a game on the professional stage for the first time in over a year on Monday at the $15.000 ITF tournament in Ortisei. However, in the end it was only a short appearance.

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