Many players fought for a whole year to be in the top 8 of all U21 players in the world at the end of the year. Dominic played a great season and managed to do so, just like last year, and once again qualified for the Next Gen finals.
Dominic traveled to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia with his coach Didi, physio Philipp and fitness coach Marc and prepared for the matches there.
The tournament organizers did everything they could to make it a great tennis festival. Sightseeing tour with all the players in the old town of Jeddah with visits to some of the sights. Huge, top modern tennis hall with the finest lighting and display walls. Outdoor facility with large public viewing area. Large staff responsible for the excellent organization. Only the number of spectators was not too big. The atmosphere in the large hall was therefore a little poor for such a final.
Some changes were also made to the game system. Short sets up to 4 games. Change of sides only after the first 3 games. Shorter time between rallies, spectators moving freely during points and much more.
Dominic played his first match against Cobolli Flavio. Dominic knew Cobolli well. He won the 2020 junior doubles at Roland Garros with him. Unfortunately, Dominic didn’t really get into the match and was ultimately beaten 2:4 / 4:3 / 1:4 / 2:4. In the second match, the second Italian Luca Nardi was waiting for Dominic. Dominic lost to him in two sets a good month ago in Bratislava. But now Dominic played great tennis and hit winner after winner. A mega match and it ended very quickly. Dominic won confidently with 4:1 / 4:1 / 4:2. The match lasted just 54 minutes. Dominic set a new record with this time. Never before in the history of Next Gen has a player won a match in 54 minutes. In the third match, Dominic faced Frenchman Arthur Fils ATP 36. Dominic won against Fils this year in Gstaad in an epic match 7;6 / 7:6. It was a match at the same level and a feast for the eyes to watch. Unfortunately with the better end for Fils 2:4 / 4:3 / 2:4 / 3:4. In the end, however, the results played were enough for Dominic to reach the semi-finals again after 2022. There Dominic played against Hamad Medjedovic. Unfortunately, Dominic injured himself shortly before the match. Dominic still tried his best, but the injury was too disabling and so he sadly had to congratulate the eventual tournament winner after 3:4 / 1:2. “What if” are the words that were asked then and also today. But now it’s time to look ahead and prepare well for 2024.
📸 Photo credits:
Photo no. 1, group photo, view Stefan Bohrer / remaining photos: Next Gen ATP Finals