Standing at 185 centimetres tall, she has a clear advantage, her serve is very effective, and she occasionally helps herself with an ace. In fact, she has already fired nine of them in two rounds.
However, in an interview with Flashscore, last year’s French Open junior champion Tagger admitted that stepping onto the centre court at Stvanice brought out some emotions.
"The court is really beautiful, very special. I’ve heard about its history, it’s truly unique, a real piece of history. So when I walked out there, honestly, I was a bit nervous," she admitted.
And when the match started, did you get used to it quickly?
"I actually didn’t expect there to be so many people, since it was a match between two foreigners. So I really enjoyed playing in front of such a crowd, in front of Czech fans. And of course, I can’t wait to play again tomorrow."
What was your motivation for choosing the Prague tournament this week?
"I’ve been to Prague once before and I really like the city, it’s truly beautiful. Plus, it’s close to home, and it’s very similar to where I live. I almost feel at home here. ‘I want to go to Prague. I really like the city, I like the people here. I want to go and play that tournament,’ I remember exactly how I told my coaches."
Maybe now they’ll listen to you! You’re doing well, having a breakthrough season, and at just 18 you’ve made it into the Top 100. How much does that mean to you? Did you expect it to happen so quickly?
"Sometimes I feel like I don’t even realise how fast it all happened. But when I take a break, sit down, and think about everything that’s happened... It really went insanely fast! Honestly? I didn’t expect it. But I just keep going. Still, I’m really proud of myself that it worked out this way."
Your one-handed backhand is also great to watch. Is that why you started working with Francesca Schiavone, who was also famous for hers?
"That’s actually really funny! ‘Wow, you have such a coach!’ That’s what everyone says to me. But no, there wasn’t any deeper reason. And the fact that she also played a one-handed backhand? It’s really just a coincidence."
So how did you two meet?
"Some time ago, I tried out an academy in Italy. I wanted a change, I really like the Italian mentality and the way they train. So I was looking for an environment in Italy, and that’s where we met and started working together."
Did you move there?
"No, I only train in Italy. I still live at home in Austria."
So it wasn’t that your recent tennis success inspired you to move? Italian tennis is doing incredibly well right now.
"Yeah, they’re really great! But that wasn’t the reason. I do train in Italy, but I’m not really connected to their federation or the players who play there. We know each other, sure, but let’s say I’m a bit different."
But tell us more about your one-handed backhand. Were you inspired by Federer, Wawrinka, or your compatriot Dominic Thiem, who also used it? Who taught you?
"I started with a two-handed backhand. But whenever I got an easier ball, I would automatically want to hit it one-handed. It just felt like the most natural shot. And when I was 12, I switched to a one-hander and have stuck with it ever since. I decided that’s how I wanted to play."
Now you’re heading into the quarter-finals, and you’ll be facing a Czech player. Sara Bejlek has a lot of support here in Prague. Are you looking forward to it?
"Oh, definitely! I’m sure a lot of people will come. I can imagine they’ll be cheering against me, which just happens sometimes. But I enjoy playing in front of a crowd. Like I said, the court is amazing. So I’m really looking forward to the match."