Despite Limited Matches, Dominic Stricker Looks Forward to Wimbledon

Dominic Stricker has only played 4 matches in 2024. Nevertheless, the Swiss youngster is in good spirits ahead of Wimbledon.

Dominic Stricker’s face is full of anticipation. After suffering for six months with severe lower back pain, the Bernese is back in the tennis circuit – just in time for Wimbledon. Stricker owes his ability to compete in the traditional grass-court major at all to his “protected ranking”.

This can be applied for at the ATP if a player is out for at least 6 months due to injury. Without the “protected ranking”, Stricker’s world ranking position would not have been sufficient to be directly in the main draw at Wimbledon.

Caption: Dominic Stricker wants to fight back. KEYSTONE/Alessandro della Valle

Not ideal preparation

The 21-year-old is accordingly grateful and full of anticipation just a few days before the start of the tournament at the All England Club: “I am overjoyed to be here and to be able to do what I love,” says Stricker.

It was very difficult for him to be forced to stay away from the tour for such a long time: “Especially mentally. You get to see what’s going on and you realise what you’re missing out on,” says the youngster. Accordingly, he did everything possible to get back on the tennis court as quickly as possible.

It was good to see how my level has increased in the last 3 to 4 weeks – almost from set to set.

Stricker made his comeback on June 3rd at the Challenger tournament in Surbiton – on that day he faced fellow countryman Leandro Riedi. Since his return, Stricker has played 4 matches, all at Challenger level. The Bernese lost 3 of them – including the one against Riedi.

Step by step up

It would therefore be presumptuous to expect great results from Stricker at Wimbledon. The 21-year-old is aware that he is not yet where he was before the injury. “I certainly need some more time, especially to master the important moments in a match,” says Stricker.

Despite the suboptimal preparation, he is looking forward to Wimbledon with confidence: “It was good to see how my level has increased in the last 3 to 4 weeks – almost from set to set.”

First victory in major main draw at Wimbledon

A year ago, Stricker reached the second round at Church Road thanks to his very first victory in a Grand Slam main draw. If he wants to do the same again this year, he will have to get rid of Arthur Fils (ATP 34).

Stricker has already played against the 20-year-old Frenchman twice – the head-to-head score is 1:1. However, this will be the first time the two will face each other on grass. The Swiss is confident: “Perhaps the surface suits me a little better than him.”

2024-06-30 08:36:00
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