Online exclusive: Dominic Stricker, The Rising Star of Swiss Tennis

The 56th Swiss Open event, the EFG Swiss Open Gstaad, took place at the Roy Emerson Arena in Gstaad this year from the 15th to the 21st of July 2024. The event, bustling with international tennis players and their entourages of coaches, physiotherapists, mental coaches, mentors, and families, brought a Grand Slam atmosphere to the prestigious Alpine village. As a sponsor of the Swiss Open, Technogym played a vital role in this vibrant scene. The brand, widely represented in fitness centres worldwide, also equips major sporting events such as the Gstaad Open and the Olympic Games with top-notch training equipment.

Thanks to Technogym, we had the opportunity to meet Dominic Stricker, the rising star of Swiss tennis with a best ATP ranking of 88 (as of October 2023), during the tournament in Gstaad.

Dominic, from Grosshöchstetten in Bern, has been playing professionally since 2020. That same year, he was named “Best Sports Talent” at the 2020 Swiss Sports Awards. In 2022 and 2023, Dominic won a total of 5 Challenger tournaments. With these 5 victories under the age of 21, Dominic replaced Stan Wawrinka (4 wins) as the previous holder of this Swiss record. He also reached the 1/8 final at the US Open 2023. Among other things with an epic 5 set victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas (ATP no. 7).

Dominic Stricker’s journey in tennis began at the tender age of five and a half. What started as a childhood pastime quickly became a deep-seated passion, laying the foundation for a promising sports career. In 2020, during the Junior Grand Slam in Paris, Stricker experienced a pivotal ‘AHA’ moment. There, he realised his potential to compete professionally, marking asignificant turning point in his life and affirming his dedication to tennis. Consequently, his professional career began during this same year, when he was 18 years old.

I asked Dominic which tennis players he most admires and draws immense inspiration from, and he stated, “The Swiss players. Roger Federer, of course, and Stan Wawrinka”. These icons, renowned for their exceptional skills and sportsmanship, have profoundly influenced Stricker’s approach to the game and his aspirations. In fact, Dominic and Stan Wawrinka won the EFG Swiss Open Gstaad men’s doubles when they upset top seeds Marcelo Demoliner and Matwe Middlekoop 7-6, 6-2 for the title in 2023.

A winning mentality is no small feat, and maintaining the mental fortitude required for professional tennis involves more than just physical training. Stricker relies on visualisation techniques, meditation, and the guidance of a mental coach to stay focused and resilient, ensuring he remains at the top of his game during the whole season. Being left-handed, like Stricker can offer certain advantages in tennis, such as creating different angles and spins. While acknowledging this, he remains humble, noting that any advantage is minor and that success ultimately comes down to skill and hard work.

Of his most memorable tournaments, Dominic was enthusiastic about Wimbledon; playing on the grass courts was a dream come true for him. The historic and prestigious atmosphere of Wimbledon provided an unforgettable experience, symbolising a significant milestone in hisbudding career. The tournament’s rich history and challenging nature definitely left a lasting impact on him. Does he prefer to play on the grass? Yes, he does, along with hard courts. These surfaces complement his playing style, allowing him to showcase his strengths and adaptability.

Dominic’s extensive training regimen goes beyond practising on the tennis court. Strength training is crucial for building muscle and preparing his body for the physical demands of matches. He prefers using Technogym equipment for its high quality and consistency at home and while travelling. In addition to strength training, he incorporates cardio exercises like jogging and cycling to enhance his stamina and mental focus.

Technogym equipment allows Dominic to continue his training even while travelling. Founded in 1983, it is a world-leading brand specialising in products and digital technologies for fitness, wellness, sports, and health. Technogym provides a comprehensive ecosystem of connected, intelligent equipment, digital services, on-demand training experiences, and apps. This ecosystem enables every end-user to access a fully personalised training experience anytime, anywhere—at home, at the gym, or on the go.

A typical training day for Dominic is meticulously structured. His day begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by warming up with his Technogym equipment at 9 a.m. He then engages in tennis training from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. After a lunch break, he spends at least another two hours on the tennis court and concludes his day with an hour of fitness training and a physio session until 6:30 p.m., ensuring a holistic approach to his preparation.

Touring the world as a professional tennis player is exhilarating, but it also comes with its challenges. For Dominic, the hardest part is being away from the comfort of his home and the companionship of his family and friends. However, he also appreciates the travel. Australia holds a special place in his heart. He is captivated by the friendly people, pristineenvironment, and warm climate. Despite the time difference, Australia remains his favourite destination, offering a unique blend of beauty and hospitality. Dominic is particularly fond of Thai cuisine when asked about his favourite food, with Pad Thai being his favourite dish. His frequent travels expose him to various culinary delights, but Thai food consistently remains at the top of his list, regardless of where he is.

I asked Dominic about his fashion sense. What does he favour? “On the court, I opt for ASICS clothing, appreciating its practicality and style. Off the court, my fashion sense is modern and casual.” While he hasn’t aligned himself with any particular designer yet, he enjoys exploring different styles that suit his personality and comfort. When in his comfortable attire, what does he do to relax? “I enjoy various activities to unwind. Golf is a favourite as it allows me to be outdoors and enjoy time with friends.” He also relishes playing board games with family and friends, and music is constantly present in his life, whether driving, jogging, or relaxing at home.

Relaxing also comes after a competition. Dominic values time to decompress. His routine includes visiting the physio, enjoying a meal, and analysing the match with his team. Quality time with family and friends, playing games like Jazzy or the Swiss game “Jassen,” and ensuring adequate rest are essential to his post-match relaxation.

Winter sports are a significant part of any Swiss person’s life, so we wondered if Dominic feels the same about skiing or snowboarding. He says he cherishes spending Christmas withhis family in Switzerland in winter. However, he heads to Australia immediately after the holidays to prepare for the Australian Open. Though he enjoyed skiing during his younger years, he now avoids it to minimise the risk of injury and ensure his tennis career remains on track.

If not tennis, what would Dominic do? He imagines he might have pursued golf professionally or even explored a music career. “If that would have worked out – we will never know”, he said with a wink. His love for golf as a recreational sport and his playful consideration of a singing career highlight his diverse interests and talents.

Focusing back on tennis, Stricker is determined to find his rhythm and return to top form after recovering from an injury; his primary goals include breaking back into the ATP top 100 and securing a spot in the main draws of the Grand Slams. With his dedication and talent, the future looks exceptionally bright for Dominic Stricker as he continues to pursue his dreams on the global tennis stage.

Technogym as a Brand

“As Leonardo da Vinci taught us, movement is the cause of all life. At Technogym, we have worked daily for 40 years to help people live better through movement. Design has always been a key element of our journey, a strong ally that turns the functional into the emotional and needs into aspirations. We are proud that so many great designers and artists worldwide have joined our dream of moving the world again,”

said Nerio Alessandri, founder and CEO of Technogym. Indeed, “Design to Move” is Technogym’s motto, and this motto was also celebrated with a special exhibition featuring the Technogym Bench, an iconic wellness piece by Technogym, enhanced by 40 designers and artists from around the world. This exhibition, shown at Milan Design Week 2024, explores the close relationship between design and wellness, style and functionality, and emotional and physical aspects, which have been core elements of Technogym’s identity since its founding.

Using the Technogym Bench as a blank canvas, “Design to Move” showcases the unique creations of designers such as Antonio Citterio, Nendo, Patricia Urquiola, Kelly Hoppen, Piero Lissoni, Walter de Silva, Elena Salmistraro, Michele Bönan as well as Swiss artists like Anaïs Coulon and Rolf Sachs, as well as many others. Each designer offers their unique vision and interpretation of movement.

The exclusive Technogym Benches will be auctioned in collaboration with Sotheby’s on September 24, 2024, with a selection of 15 benches Sotheby’s and the Design to Move (https:// www.artsandcollections.com/sothebys-and-the-design-to-move/). Additionally, 25 Technogym Benches can be purchased online at Technogym (https://www.technogym.com/) as part of the Design to Move project. All proceeds from both the auction and e-shop will be donated to UNICEF.

More about Dominic Stricker can be found at the following link: www.dominicstricker.ch

More about Technogym can be found at the following link: www.technogym.com