Puhhhhh, when you’re allowed to enter such a big place, unbelievable feelings come over you,” Dominic quoted later. So many spectators, everything lit up, a great atmosphere and you know that your match will be broadcast live on TV.
Equipped with a wild card, Dominic was allowed to compete for the first time at the biggest tennis tournament in Switzerland, the Swiss Indoors in Basel. A tournament where the No. 1 in the world and many other top players compete. Cut for inclusion in the main draw ATP Top 50, and Dominic in the midst of the world’s best players.
Dominic was allowed to play at prime time against the tallest player (2.03m) in the field, M. Cressy, ATP 33, USA. And those who know Cressy don’t know the word “second serve”. Only first serves and all over 200 km/h. Dominic managed an early break, but the counter-break was soon a fact and the tie-break had to decide. And there Dominic played fantastically. He won the first set 7:4 in the tie-break. In the second set, everything was even until Cressy showed nerves and played a catastrophic service game with 2 double faults, virtually giving Dominic the game. 5:3 Dominic. One more game was missing. Dominic was serving and he also showed nerves. 0:30 behind. But supported by the crowd, 3 great points followed and with an ace against the outside, the victory was perfect. Released from all tension, the jubilant cry of the year followed.
In the 1/8 final Dominic played against Pablo Carreno Busta ATP 15, ESP. None other than the winner of the ATP 1000 tournament in Montreal/Canada in August. What a calibre. The match was hard fought. Long rallies and great points. Dominic played himself into a frenzy. At the end of the match, everyone will say: “That was the best match of his young career”. The score was 5:5 and a spectator just didn’t want to sit down. Concentration slightly gone and what happened, Dominic conceded a decisive break to 5:6 and the set was lost 5:7. Whoever thought that was it was very much mistaken. The second set was world-class tennis and Dominic played one beautiful point after the other. Tie-break and world class there too. 7:3 Dominic. The third set had to be decided 1:1 and break chance for Dominic. You could cut the air in the hall, many were already cheering, but the ball flew a millimetre into the out. Could have, would have, could have etc. Unfortunately, Dominic had to accept a break a short time later. But Dominic did not let up until the end. But the veteran from Spain played cleverly and managed his break confidently. At 01:00 in the morning, Dominic had to admit defeat with a final score of 4:6 in the third set.
The whole hall gave a standing ovation for Dominic “Wär nid gummpet isch kei Stricker, hei, hei”.
Pictures: 📸 SwissIndoors Basel / dig.id