Dominic Stricker (ATP 180) fought hard to win the Swiss derby scheduled for the first round of the Swiss Open. The 19-year-old Bernese won 6-7 (2/7) 7-6 (7/2) 6-4 ahead of Marc-Andrea Hüsler (ATP 99) in Gstaad, after having to dismiss three match points.
This victory, acquired in 2h26 ‘, is the 2nd of the year for Dominic Stricker on the main circuit after that obtained against Maxime Cressy on the grass of Stuttgart. It will do him the greatest good and allow him to challenge Albert Ramos-Viñolas (ATP 40) in the round of 16, in another left-handed duel.
Defeated at the start of his last 2 tournaments – Challengers played on clay -, Stricker was not, however, a favorite against a Marc-Andrea Hüsler in great shape. And his task seemed insurmountable when he conceded the first break of this game at 7-6 4-4. But Marc-Andrea Hüsler was completely disunited at the time of conclusion, despite 3 match points to be negotiated consecutively at 5-4 40/0 on his service. He then dug his own grave in the second tie-break, then committing 2 consecutive double faults.
Stricker knew how to bide his time
Dominic Stricker has shown himself to be more and more solid in the exchange. And the 2020 Roland-Garros junior champion, who won the doubles title last year in Gstaad alongside his opponent of the day, was able to bide his time in the 3rd set. Back to the wall at 3-4 15/30 on his serve, Dominic Stricker was able to raise his level of play in “money time”.
The Bernese armed a superb passing forehand to convert the only break point in the decisive set at 4-4, and did not flinch when delivering the thrust. “I have no idea how I managed this“said Stricker.”I don’t even know if it’s ever happened that I save match points and then win“, he continued.
ats/bur