From Stamford Bridge to Wimbledon: Stricker commutes between London’s sporting temples

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Compared to many other tennis players, debutant Dominic Stricker is not within walking distance of the Wimbledon facility these days. While others have rented a house for themselves and their retinue, the young Swiss hope is staying in one of the official hotels. About a 30 minute drive, above the River Thames, between the boroughs of Chelsea and Fulham. So no world trip, and football fan Stricker can live with the location of the accommodation anyway. Stamford Bridge, home of Premier League giant Chelsea FC, is nearby. Plans have already been made in the Stricker team to visit the site – “time permitting”.

Is he a Chelsea supporter? “No, not exactly a fan. I remain faithful to YB », says the 20-year-old from Bern with a smile. And his coach Dieter Kindlmann (41), who is also interested in football? “Yes, I don’t think Chelsea are that bad. I really like the Premier League in general. But Bayern is number one for me – that has led to a lot of discussion in the team,” the German said with a laugh.

Geek on the outdoor track

Stricker now commutes from one London sports temple to another. From Stamford Bridge to Wimbledon – of course also to Center Court, on which he is not (yet) allowed to play, but on which he immediately started judging. “It’s just super cool,” says the youngster, who raves about the levels that reach up to the roof.

Stricker has to make do with an outside seat for his first round match against Australian Alexei Popyrin (23/ATP 93). He enters the game as a qualifier and the world number 117 as an outsider, but says: “If I serve well, it can be a very close duel.”

In recent weeks he has been able to get used to the grass base. At the Challenger tournament in Nottingham, he reached the quarter-finals, where he lost to tennis icon Andy Murray (36) in two tight sets (6: 7, 5: 7), but was later described by the same as “one of the best guys in the world”. the tours”. praised.

Girlfriend Aline and Co. as support

Ilkley’s shock moment (first round out after forfeit) has also been digested. A pinched nerve in his upper back had caused him problems. But in the meantime, “everything is back to normal,” as Stricker says, “I’m ready for my premiere at Wimbledon.”

His loved ones also witnessed his baptism of fire at the oldest and most important tennis tournament in the world. Mother Sabine and father (and manager) Stephan are there anyway, as are many of his already large entourage – from physio to lawyers. And: his sister Michèle and girlfriend Aline also came along. But they all live in a different hotel. Only Team Stricker’s athletic core commutes to the Chelsea Football District.

Source : Blick