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The contrast could hardly be greater. After the famous round of 16 at the US Open and the equally big podium in the Davis Cup in Manchester, Dominic Stricker (21) is brought back to reality at a Challenger tournament. The Swiss shooting star suffered a base defeat at Mouilleron le Captif in western France. Bitter: It happened against an opponent who was in good form, but was ranked about 200 places lower. And in a second-string match.
The 6:7, 3:6 against Matteo Martineau (24) is the sobering start to a promising but intense autumn in which the aim is to defend the hard-earned place in the top 100 shark tanks in the world rankings. Stricker is currently ranked 90th. If his ranking remains in double figures by the end of the year, he will certainly have a ticket for the main draw at the Australian Open. “That is the ultimate goal,” emphasizes manager and father Stephan Stricker, pointing to the 93 ATP points that still have to be defended in 2023. He speaks of “weeks of confirmation” that are now waiting for “Domi”. Because there is and remains one goal in the back of our minds: the NextGen final in Jeddah at the end of November.
To participate in Saudi Arabia, Stricker must maintain his place among the top eight youngsters (up to 21 years old). The left-hander from Grosshöchetten BE is currently in seventh place, but will be overtaken next week by the Serbian Hamad Medjedovic (20), who sensationally reached the semi-finals at the ATP 250 tournament in Astana.
It would provide relief in the tight race for the NextGen Finals spots if a top star were to opt out of the late finals round with the Saudis. The ranking is led by Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz (20), followed by names such as Holger Rune (20), Ben Shelton (20) and Lorenzo Musetti (21). However, it remains to be seen whether they will follow the lure of money. The tournament is endowed with two million dollars. Apparently there are also rumors going around about additional offers.
Stricker would reinvest money immediately
The bonuses in Jeddah would also benefit the knitters, and they make no secret of that in their camp. If they were to compete in the desert state, the team could completely reschedule plans for the upcoming season. “For example, we would have the opportunity to take a physiotherapist with us on tour more often. 20 to 25 weeks of support instead of just 10 to 15 weeks as before makes a huge difference,” says Stephan Stricker. It would be his son’s second start at the NextGen final, which took place in Milan last year. In the northern Italian metropolis, Stricker played his way to the semi-finals.
To repeat such a coup, Stricker must now step on the accelerator. The plan is to start next week at the Challenger tournament in Bratislava, then at the ATP 250 in Antwerp, before the Swiss highlight follows with the ATP 500 competition in Basel (thanks to a wildcard).
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
