The one-handed backhand was the right choice for me, says champion Tagger
26th July 2026
At just 18 years of age, Lilli Tagger became the youngest champion in the history of the Prague tournament. The Austrian prospect, who also defeated Czech players Sara Bejlek and Barbora Krejcikova during the past week at the 2026 Livesport Prague Open, overcame eighth-seeded Ukrainian Daria Snigur in front of packed stands. After winning 7-6(3), 6-2, she was able to celebrate her maiden title. Following the match, she spoke about her feelings after the final, her switch to a one-handed backhand and her love of ice hockey.
“It was an amazing match and I am incredibly happy right now. I was a little tired and nervous at the beginning, but I am very pleased that I managed to turn the first set around and continued to play my game successfully in the second set,” the Austrian player said with delight.
However, victory did not come easily for the Linz native. She lost her opening service game and quickly fell 0-3 behind. “It is not easy for me when I have to come from behind, but things like that can simply happen. It is part of the game. I told myself it was only one break and kept fighting,” she explained.
She had struggled before the switch to hard courts, losing four consecutive matches. At the tournament in Athens, however, she advanced from qualifying to the round of 16, before confirming her improved form with what many considered a surprise triumph in Prague.
“I think it is normal that things do not always go your way. Of course, it would be wonderful to win every time, but that is not how tennis works. We have worked very hard recently, so I see this result as a sign that we are heading in the right direction,” Tagger said.
Speaking to reporters, she made no secret of her enthusiasm for the Czech capital and the local fans.
“It was amazing. I had already played Tennis Europe tournaments and junior events in the Czech Republic several times, but this week was truly special. The fans and everyone else around the tournament created a wonderful atmosphere. Prague is also a very beautiful city. The people gave us so much energy throughout the week, and I really loved playing here.”
The spectators who attended her matches were also able to admire her one-handed backhand, which she decided to adopt at the age of 12.
“I honestly have no idea what was going through my mind at the time. A one-handed backhand always felt more natural to me, though. Maybe I was a slightly crazy child. But now I am glad I made that decision because I think it was the right choice,” smiled the player, who will rise to a career-high 45th place in the rankings.
Away from tennis, she also enjoys playing ice hockey during the winter months.
“I like playing with my friends in the winter. Of course, I am not a professional, but I really enjoy hockey. I come from the mountains, so it is quite natural for me. I like playing hockey or skiing,” she said of her fondness for winter sports, which will surely earn her some sympathy from Czech fans as well.
“About three days ago, we asked a taxi driver whether he followed football or any other sport. He told us he did not and that people here only watch hockey,” she added.
Members of her family also travelled to Prague to support her in the final.
“They arrived this morning. My sister and brothers told me after the semifinal that they were going to come to Prague to watch my final. I was very happy and moved that they could be here. It was really lovely. Now I will return home for a few days and enjoy some time with my family. We will definitely do something together,” Tagger concluded.
Photo: Czech Tennis Association / Pavel Lebeda (sport-pics.cz)
