As we announced on our social media channels, we are cooperating with the Viennese Squash Federation, the Wiener Squash Rackets Verband, WSRV. Their leader board asked us to play all courts in Vienna to show the squash-community in Vienna where to go. So we came up with the idea of the WSRV – Squash World Tour – Vienna Edition. As we want to provide value, we are going to rate all the clubs in five categories: booking, reachability, facilities, court, price.
The fifth match of the WSRV Squash World Tour Vienna Edition took place at the biggest squash club in Vienna: Club Danube Erdberg. The venue offers 15 squash courts, all with glass back walls and regular side and front walls. It’s also home of the Austrian Squash Federation.
I arrived a bit early to prepare better than the last time when #teamorange could claim his first Vienna Edition victory. To my surprise most of the 15 courts were booked – squash is quite popular in Vienna!
As the temperatures in the Austrian capital currently are quite low, I did some footwork exercises to warm up properly as well as some squats and sprints. I wanted to reach operating temperature before my adversary arrived.
Having some fun
Joel entered the court and after a short chat about the Birdbox Movie on Netflix, we decided spontaneously to try to hit some balls blindfolded. Check out our video we started the #squashbirdboxchallenge with.
After that we went back to business, as we had some games to play and a club to rate!
The match
Right from the start it was a very close race. None of us could gain a significant lead, after being 8-7 up, #teamyellow could secure a 11-8 in the opening game. In game two we both were able to maintain the high level – several awesome rallies amazed us as well as our crew. Again it was #teamyellow who took the game 11-9.
Being 2-0 games up made me almost forget about the missing chair and the wet carpet I was sitting on during the break. I was sure that the night was going to end with a demoralizing 3-0 victory for #teamyellow against #teamorange.
Unfortunately #teamorange wasn’t ready to lose – yet… Joel surprised me with a brilliant start and a 5-1 lead. His commitment to fight for every ball gave me a hard time. Although I had my chances and I had my fire back, I wasn’t able to catch up and therefore lost the game 5-11.
Game 4 began. I was sweating so hard that my goggles misted up all the time. My game plan was not really working, as I planned to keep the rallies shorter. A bit distracted I moved poorly and caused a collision with Joel which made it hard for me to breath. And on top of all that my grip became so slippery that I couldn’t hold my racket properly anymore. Nevertheless I had my chances. I thought I could secure the game, but the goddess of squash obviously had other plans for me tonight.
#teamorange stayed on court while I took my time during the final break to regrip my racket, change my shirt and focus one more time – this is me focused (some would say exhausted):
We asked the community if #teamyellow still has a chance – later I found out that unbelievable 50% believed in me (and no, my mum didn’t vote for me)! Additional note: Before the match 60% thought that #teamorange was gonna make it…
In the final game an incredible run secured me the 6-2 and later a 9-3 lead. Still Joel was not giving up and the long rallies continued. Ultimately I won 2 more points securing a 3-2 (11-8, 11-9, 5-11, 8-11, 11-3) win and a total lead of 4:1 at the Vienna Edition.
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Our rating
Booking: Is only possible via phone, no online-booking. On the website you can find out if there are free courts. As there are 15 squash courts, chances are high that you will be able to play whenever you just come over – even without a reservation. That’s why we award 4 of 5 stars.
Reachability: The underground line U3 is stopping in front of the venue; six stops from the city centre. Only if there was a court right underneath St. Steven’s Cathedral it would be more central. 5 of 5 stars.
Facilities: It’s nice, clean, spacious, the stuff is friendly, there is a sauna, other sports facilities and a restaurant with a lot of traditional dishes on the menu. And of course the 15 squash courts are impressive! 5 stars!
Court: We both liked the court (No. 11). As Erdberg is Joel’s training venue, he played on several courts and was never disappointed. There are glass-back-walls on all 15 courts. The side- and front-walls are of traditional material and still in good shape. The floors are clean and the nick is small. The lightning is also excellent. For the first time we award 5 of 5 stars.
Price: 24 Euro for one hour of squash in our opinion is a reasonable price for the quality of the courts. Considering the cost-benefit-ratio, we award 3 of 5 stars.
RESULT
4,5 stars for Club Danube Erdberg!
Website: www.clubdanube.at , Phone number for booking: +431 79 88 400