Patrick FRANZISKA’S best finish in the singles at the European Championships was third place in 2018 but he has already proven he can win big titles having claimed the Europe Top 16 Cup crown in 2021. Now he returns to action at the LIEBHERR European Championships in Linz from October 15th to 20th as part of a strong 14-member German squad.
Is the time ripe for a European title this time?
“That’s hard to say. We play so many tournaments that you have to first see what form you’re in when you arrive. Of course I want to go far – that has to be my ambition. There are probably more players in Linz who can become European champions than ever before. I’m taking it one round at a time. But I definitely want to compete hard in both singles and mixed this time. Let’s see how it goes with Annett (Kaufmann). We’re playing together for the first time and need to fight through the qualifiers. My goals for this European Championship are ambitious ” said FRANZISKA.
Looking at the World rankings 2024 has been your best year so far. Strong results including second place at the Grand Smash in Saudi Arabia have pushed you to ninth place. What has defined Patrick FRANZISKA in 2024?
“It has been my best year but also emotionally the most difficult one I can remember in my career. Sometimes I’ve surprised myself with how well I’ve played. A lot of factors come together. I’ve learned to better block out distractions during competitions. I’ve also kept working on my backhand which is now very reliable. Staying injury-free and avoiding interruptions I couldn’t control have also helped. I think these factors are key to my success. I’m definitely very proud to have broken into the top ten this year.”
At the Olympic Games Dimitrij OVTCHAROV narrowly lost to France’s superstar Felix Lebrun. Your form was good at the China Smash but you were sidelined by an infection. How fit are you as you head to the European Championships?
“I’ve been in good form for several months now. At the Olympics I only narrowly lost to Felix Lebrun and Truls MÖREGARDH two of the dominant players in the tournament. I could have won both matches. In the Bundesliga I started the season 9-0 and at the China Smash after a solid performance against Zhou QIHAO I just ran out of steam at the end partly due to an infection. Overall my table tennis is in great shape at the moment.”
You were European champion in 2013 and 2015 reached the final in 2020 and are once again one of the main contenders. How do you rate your chances of winning a third title?
“I’m looking forward to the European Championships. Winning a third title after my two successes in singles would be something very special. There are many players aiming for the title – Felix and Alexis LEBRUN my national teammates Dang and Patrick (FRANZISKA) Darko JORGIC and some Swedes. I consider myself one of the favorites. But besides Dang and me no one else has won the title. So I’m just trying to carry my good form into the tournament and enjoy it. Winning again would be great but I don’t feel the pressure in Linz. I’ll leave that to the others.”
