In a thrilling match at King Abdullah Sports City, Dominic Stricker secured his spot in the semi-finals at the Next Gen ATP Finals, despite facing defeat against already-qualified Arthur Fils on Thursday. The 21-year-old Swiss player entered the court in Jeddah knowing that winning just one set would ensure his advancement.
Although Stricker dropped the first set, he bounced back, claiming the second set. Ultimately, Frenchman Arthur Fils emerged victorious with a 4-2, 3-4(3), 4-2, 4-3(5) win after an intense one hour and 47 minutes, concluding the Green Group stage with a flawless 3-0 record.
“I knew before the match [that I had qualified], but I just want to win every match that I’m playing,” said Fils in his post-match interview. “I think I put a little bit more focus out today than the first two days because I know this opponent, and he already beat me this year. It was a tough match, but I’m thrilled to win, and let’s see who I get in the semi-final.”
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This marks Stricker’s second consecutive entry into the semi-finals at the 21-and-under event, following his achievement 12 months ago. Fils, the top seed, aims to join the ranks of champions like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Stefanos Tsitsipas as he progresses to the semi-finals.
Fils, with a career-high No. 36 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, previously claimed his maiden tour-level title in Lyon earlier this year and reached the title match in Antwerp. The 19-year-old is eager to discover his semi-final opponent after the night session play in Jeddah.
-IANS
