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Premature Celebration Costs Sebastian Ofner Australian Open Qualifier

The 10-point deciding tiebreak in Melbourne prolonged play, enabling Nishesh Basavareddy's turnaround.

Overview

  • Ofner celebrated at 7-1 in the deciding tiebreak of his second qualifying-round match, believing he had won.
  • The chair umpire stopped an attempted handshake and reminded both players that the tiebreak continues to 10 points at the tournament.
  • Basavareddy then swept eight of the next nine points and clinched the match by taking the super tiebreak 13-11.
  • The American advances to the next round of qualifying to play for a spot in the Australian Open main draw.
  • Video of the moment circulated widely on social media, with the Australian Open posting the clip and Ofner sharing it on Instagram with the caption "S..t happens".