Australian Open 2026: Sebastian Aufner celebrates early before losing to Nishesh Basavardi in qualifying

Sebastian Offner made an unfortunate exit from the Australian Open qualifiers after forgetting the rules and celebrating victory early – before losing the match.

The Austrian player thought he had won over Nishesh Basavardi 7-1 in the third set tiebreaker and raised his arms in celebration, pointing to his head as he walked towards the net to shake hands with his American rival.

However, the tiebreakers in the final set are played to 10 points, meaning he still needs three more points to win.

Offner only realized his mistake when the referee spoke to him briefly.

Passavardi then took eight points from the next nine en route to a 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (13-11) victory and qualification to the final round of qualifying at Melbourne Park.

The 20-year-old placed his hands on his neck in a ‘choke’ gesture before letting out a roar in celebration.

“In super [match] “In a tiebreak, you always have a chance, so I kept believing,” Passavardi told the Australian Open website., external

“I saw him a bit nervous, but the balls were very old there, so every rally was a war.”

Passavardi will face Britain’s George Lovhagen for a place in the main draw of the Australian Open.