The Federer Effect? Stricker Wins All-Swiss RG Boys’ Final
Following in the footsteps of Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka is a tall task for the next generation of Swiss stars, but tennis fans were given a glimpse into the future on Saturday at Roland Garros.
In the first all-Swiss Grand Slam junior singles final, Dominic Stephan Stricker overcame countryman Leandro Riedi 6-2, 6-4 to capture his first junior major crown. The seventh seed converted five of 10 break points to lift the trophy in just over an hour.
“[Roger] actually said I should improve my serve. That’s what I did actually,” said Stricker. “I think my serve is pretty good now. It helped me a lot here.”
Stricker is just the second Swiss player to lift the boys’ singles trophy in Paris. Stan Wawrinka, the 2015 men’s singles titlist, claimed the boys’ singles title in 2003.
“I want to congratulate Leandro, he played a pretty good week,” said Stricker on court. “You guys are doing a great job, I hope we will be playing in some more finals soon.”
View this post on InstagramAmazing days here???. Thanks to @rogerfederer @severinluthi for the opportunity to practice with you.??❤️ Now looking forward to Australian open juniors with these two guys ?@leandro_00014 @jeromekyym ??❤️ ??
Stricker entered the contest seeking his first victory against Riedi. The junior No. 10 had lost each of his past three contests against his countryman across the junior and professional levels without claiming a set.
“He was too good for me today, basically. All the best for the future, I hope we will soon have big battles again in the final,” said Riedi.
Stricker’s triumph was just the beginning of a memorable day for the Swiss. Later on, the 18-year-old claimed the junior boys’ doubles title alongside partner Flavio Cobelli.
Stricker and Cobelli needed just 59 minutes to defeat Bruno Oliveira and Natan Rodrigues 6-2, 6-4. Stricker is the first player to claim the boys’ singles and doubles trophies in the same year since Fernando Gonzalez in 1998.
“Winning singles and winning doubles, it’s just amazing,” said Stricker. “I really enjoyed this day. I will enjoy every minute of this evening for sure… It was a great tournament for me, for sure. It’s perfect.”