„I can hardly wait to play in Linz“

Tyrolean Lilli Tagger, who is just 17 years old, is about to embark on her first full season on the WTA women's professional tennis tour. The home match at the Upper Austria Ladies Linz (5 to 12 April 2026) is right at the top of the list of priorities for the player from Lienz. However, many other highlights await the winner of last year's junior competition at the French Open, who also reached the final of the WTA tournament in Jiujiang (China) in autumn, before she serves for the first time at the Linz Design Center. Before Tagger competes in the qualifiers of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in Melbourne, she talks in our interview about her new experiences, ambitious goals and, of course, her emotional home match in Austria.

Lilli, you reached the final at your first WTA tournament in Jiujiang in autumn. What was different there compared to smaller tournaments and why did it go so well straight away?

„I went there as a complete underdog. Nobody expected anything from me. I think my opponents were surprised by my style of play. But it's true that your opponents play differently on the WTA Tour and try to hurt you on every single point. You have to be present for every point and work hard for everything. Nothing is given to you.“

It's also certainly a change off the court at the bigger tournaments. What was it like for you last season and what has changed for you?

„I've already noticed a change since Paris. I don't want to say that I go onto the pitch with more pressure, but you do realise that people know you - especially in Austria. I wouldn't say that it bothers me either, because it means that I've done something right and that the fans are interested in what I do and how I play.“

What was the most important thing you learnt in 2025? What were the decisive steps you took?

„If you had asked me at the beginning of the year, I would never have thought it would turn out like this. I think the most important learning for me was that I have to do my job and that winning afterwards is a kind of reward. It's not that you chase victories - you just do your job and everything else is a consequence of that.“

Describe once again the role of Francesca Schiavone as your trainer. How important is she to you?

„She is extremely important to me. I think she has made a huge difference to me over the last two years. She knows what she's talking about, but she also knows when to have fun off the pitch. I can learn a lot from her in terms of play, and I take the most from her tactically and mentally.“

Of course, we can't get past your one-handed backhand. Tell us again how your most striking stroke came about.

„I originally played the backhand with both hands. When I was ten, I wanted to switch to a one-handed backhand, but my coach and my dad didn't like the idea. So I continued to play two-handed. But whenever no-one was looking, I still used the one-handed backhand - and really enjoyed it. Two years later, I had a bet with my coach: I said that if I won the tournament, I would switch to the one-handed backhand. If I lose, I'll stop being annoying and just keep playing two-handed. I won the tournament - and changed my backhand.“

A look ahead to 2026: How are you approaching the year? Match by match or with very clear goals in your head and calendar?

„We have very specific goals and know what we want to achieve, train intensively beforehand and then try to realise them during the season. My coach Francesca Schiavone said after my junior win at Roland Garros last year that she sees me in the Grand Slam main draw in 2026. I didn't believe that at the time, but after 2025, that's a goal we should pursue for me too.“

How did you prepare for the start of the season?

„I trained with my team in Dubai before Christmas. There were a lot of top players there and I learnt a lot from them. I played with Elena Rybakina, for example. And the ball simply comes back in a completely different way from a player like that. You can't retrain something like that. Those are important experiences.“

The tournament in Linz will be held on clay for the first time. What does that mean for you and how much are you looking forward to the tournament?

„I feel pretty comfortable on clay and playing in front of a home crowd is always something special. There's really nothing better. As a preparation tournament for Roland Garros, it's just right. I was at the tournament once in 2021, where I was honoured by the ÖTV as Young Player of the Year. That was my only visit. But I have to say, I'm really looking forward to it and can hardly wait.“

Do you already have an expectation of what is possible in Linz from an Austrian perspective?

„I think I'll have a chance in Linz, even if I don't want to promise too much. With Anastasia Potapova, there is now another top-level player with Austrian citizenship. You shouldn't forget that Julia Grabher has made a strong comeback and Sinja Kraus is also competing in the Grand Slams. I think all the Austrians are doing well.“