To be fair to him, Clemens isn’t just saying that because of what happened on the court. Two years ago, over 180,000 people swarmed to the event location on Vienna’s Danube Island and goosebumps certainly did not lie.
But, what did happen on the sand surpassed everyone’s expectations. Including his own. With Alex alongside him the duo went all the way to the final, won silver and created memories that will live with them forever.
As World Championship moments go, it doesn’t get much better than that. Expectations on the duo in Hamburg is a tough act to follow.
“My previous best finish was ninth – and for a world champs that’s not a bad finish, but of course what happened in Vienna, well it was a fairytale,” reflects Doppler.
“We’ve always been ready for the big tournaments; Olympics, world champs, Euros, and always done well. We’ve always been ready but we head into this year’s tournament as the reigning silver medalists, which means to go one better would be to win gold. I wouldn’t say it’s impossible, but we’ll go to Hamburg looking to just enjoy ourselves. Our goal is always a top-10 finish but enjoying yourself, every moment, is important. That’s the key to playing well.”
After all, given his experience he knows better than anyone.
So after what happened in Vienna in 2017, what does Doppler think of the chances of top German team Clemens Wickler and Julius Thole when the young home stars into the Red Bull Beach Arena on Friday?
“I think they’re going to go far,” admits Clemens. “I see myself a little in those young guys right now when I their age.
“It’s their first World Championships, they’re playing at home. In the World Tour Finals in 2018 they clearly enjoyed playing in front of the big crowd. They reached the semi-finals, played great, loved the crowd. They’re young, they have no pressure. They’re not quite yet winning medals consistently on the World Tour so there’s no expectation or pressure that they have to prove themselves to anyone.
“Julius looks like a shy guy. On the court he’s there. He has attitude. That’s the perfect mix for a World Championship at home.”
From Klagenfurt to the Rothenbaum, Olympics and operations in between, it’s been an unforgettable journey for Clemens – and he’s not ready to get off the rollercoaster just yet.