In the last throes of Roger Federer's career, Swiss tennis is looking for new names. One of the ones to note is Dominic Stricker, junior Roland Garros champion last year (defeated compatriot Leandro Riedi in the final) in both singles and doubles.
Stricker is only 18 years old and has a lot of work to do to even get close to Federer, but he aims for a star and is clear who his reference is: Roger, of course. “He is the perfect example to follow, both on and off the track. See how he faces each training and life in general is something impressive, “he recently assured in an interview with the medium. Watson.ch.
Stricker and Federer already know each other and in fact this year they spent a few days working together in Dubai. The young man tells how the experience was: “It made a difference. I received a lot of advice and both before and after each training session we talked for a while. He even invited me to go on a desert excursion with him. “
It seems that the collaboration with Federer has been very good for him, because this season he has already been proclaimed champion at the Lugano Challenger, surpassing the precocity record set by another Helvetian, Stan Wawrinka, in 2003. “I felt very confident that week, but I still have to improve a lot of things and especially the service, which is what I'm putting the most time and effort into,” he says.
Stricker is left-handed, and that also makes him lean when it comes to seeking inspiration from another member of the Big Three, Rafa Nadal.: “I watch a lot of his games. I try to learn how he takes advantage of being left-handed. There are movements of his that I have to try to incorporate into my game.” Comparisons don't pressure you, they “motivate” you.