At the Nottingham tournament Dominic had to play former ATP No. 53 D. Kudla in the first round. Against the grass specialist Dominic showed from the beginning that he also likes to play on grass. 6:6 first set and 5:2 in the tie-break for Dominic. But suddenly Kudla had set point at 5:6. But with a super winner and two more points, Dominic was able to clinch the first set. The spell was broken and Dominic took the second set 6-2. First match on grass and first win. In the second round, Dominic faced a tough opponent in the form of R. Peniston. Dominic continued to play like in the first round and won 6:4 / 6:2.
In the quarter-finals, none other than Andy Murray (ATP 44) was on the other side. The two played sensational and attractive tennis on the sold-out centre court. Dominic kept up very well against the three-time Grand Slam winner, even though Dominic complained of back problems and had to be treated for a pinched nerve. The match offered everything one could wish for. But unfortunately not with a happy end for Dominic. In the tie-break of the first set, three balls were decided by millimetres to Dominic’s disadvantage. In the second set, Dominic even managed to break Murray, but Murray immediately took the re-break. Unfortunately, the second set also went to the eventual tournament winner with 5:7.
In the on-court interview after the match, Murray praised Dominic. The star player said of Dominic that he was one of the best young players in the world. Murray praised his shots from the baseline and Dominic’s touch at the net. It took the strongest performance in recent weeks, the Briton said, adding. It should be extra motivation for Swiss Tennis’ hope for the future.
What a match and what a pity Dominic had to play Murray in the quarter-finals. Because this match was so worthy of the final.