Quarter-finals in Basel: Stricker commits coup against Ruud

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After almost two and a half hours the time has come and Dominic Stricker (21, ATP 96) clenches his winning fist. He has just wowed the Basel crowd by beating the number 2 of the tournament, the Norwegian Casper Ruud (24, ATP 8), 6:4, 3:6, 7:6.

The match starts with a moment of fear for the Swiss. After Ruud missed two break opportunities in the second service game, he had to be treated for a few minutes. The right knee causes problems and is massaged and eventually taped up. But Stricker doesn’t let that bother him. On the contrary.

What he shows next is very strong. He puts pressure and takes the break shortly afterwards to make the score 4:2. Stricker could not deprive him of this lead, he brought home the set on the third attempt.

An almost flawless tiebreak

The second part continues in the same style. With the score at 2:2, Stricker had the first break opportunities of the round – four in number. But he can’t use one. And is punished a little later. Ruud gets his first two break chances and converts the second to 5:3. Then the Norwegian leaves nothing to burn and operates the passage to dry land.

Stricker briefly leaves the hallway to collect himself and then returns without tape on his knee. And immediately comes under great pressure. It’s 0:40 in the first game – Stricker fends off all breakballs. The two then move in step. Also because the Swiss cannot take advantage of two break opportunities. The decision will be made in the tiebreak. With the better ending for knitters. It’s a show of power, he wins it 7:1. And celebrates another big triumph after his victory over world number 7 Stefanos Tsitsipas (25) at the US Open.

Stricker will now face Frenchman Ugo Humbert (25, ATP 28) in the quarter-finals. He won in his round of 16 7:6, 7:6 against the Chilean Nicolas Jarry (28, ATP 20). (beer)

Source : Blick