“Stricker has a lot of potential”

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Dominic Stricker (20) laughs and shouts loudly: “Come on!” He commissions Peter Lundgren (58) to take a photo in front of the tennis arena in Biel, where the Berner gathers his newly assembled team. Dieter Kindlmann (40) is now the main coach at his side – succeeding Sven Swinnen (42), who will now train the up-and-coming talents at Swiss Tennis. The role of Lundgren, who has been involved as an idea generator and advisor since the beginning of March, is currently only confirmed at the end of next week. So only for the Challenger tournaments in Biel BE and Lille (F).

And yet the warm interaction during the photo shoot shows that a) Stricker and Lundgren understand each other very well and b) the collaboration could also go beyond Lille. Officially, it is said that the parties then want to put their heads together again to discuss a possible future together. But Lundgren is already making it clear: “I’m ready.” The Swede, under whom Roger Federer won his first ever Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003, feels a great desire to bring out the next Swiss talent.

While Kindlmann, the former coach of Angelique Kerber (35), will be available to Stricker “24/7”, Lundgren would likely continue to work in an advisory role. A commitment of twelve weeks per year is in the room. But Lundgren would also be willing to raise his bid to 14: “Because I like Dominic and his playing style so much.”

It’s time for the French Open main draw

The Federer sponsor has a high opinion of Stricker. It is generally difficult to make comparisons with the 20-time Grand Slam winner. Lundgren still praises Stricker: “Dominic also has a good eye and can read the game very well. He has enormous potential.”

Lundgren is sure that he will soon open the door to the top 100. And then? “Can he make it to the top 50,” he adds, poking Stricker with his elbow and smiling. The younger laughs sheepishly. He knows: for this dream you still need a lot of sweat, a lot of input from his new team – and especially victories.

If Stricker wants to play in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time at the French Open, he will have to crack the top 100 in the coming weeks (starting April 17). Means: he now has to score well at the home tournament in Biel. On Tuesday evening he will meet the Kazakh Beibit Zhukayev (22, ATP 343) in the first round.

Source : Blick