31 August 2023 , 15:13
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Tennis’ World No. 128 Dominic Stricker celebrated his spectacular victory over two-time Grand Slam runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open by singing an all-time classic.
Stricker sprang the surprise of the tournament so far by knocking out world no.4 in the second round. But during the match's final change of ends, he was seen singing along to the iconic Whitney Houston track ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ as it was played to the crowd.
Fans online witnessed the moment and one said via social media platform X: “Great taste and great victory for Stricker,” while another added: “Anyone who knows the words is cool in my book." More fans continued to comment as another wrote: “Who can blame him? That chorus is snappy as hell”, while another user said: “Hell Yea!
“It's impossible NOT to sing along with Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody. You do you, Dominic Stricker.” The 80s hit is one of the most popular songs of all time and the Swiss star was certainly in a joyful mood as he booked his spot in the third round at Flushing Meadows.
The 21-year-old recovered from a two sets to one deficit to beat the fourth seed 7-5 6-7(2) 6-7(5) 7-6(6) 6-3. Stricker showed a great level of skill but also his resilience during a four-hour, 10-minute epic in humid conditions on the Grandstand court.
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He rallied from 3-5 down in the fourth set and was just two points away from defeat on three occasions. After claiming the fourth set on a tiebreak by eight points to six, the Swiss star saved his best form for the final set, and when it mattered most.
He won 83% of his first-serve points in the decisive and struck 78 winners for the match against Tsitsipas, whose struggles at the US Open continue - he is yet to go beyond the third round in his six appearances in the main draw.
Post-match a delighted Stricker said: “I came out today pretty well. I felt good from the first set on. It was a tough battle but I am just super happy right now.
Stricker has reached the third round of the US Open for the first time (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)"I am going to enjoy the rest of the day and then I will recover for the next round. I was down 3-5 and then I came back in the fourth set. I don't know how, but I did it somehow and then I kept playing very high level tennis. I am a bit speechless but it is a great day."
Stricker is in the middle of his debut campaign at the US Open and has now reached the third round of Grand Slam for the first time in his career. "Such a great day for me, such a great win," Stricker added.
"It gives me a lot of confidence and I think it is great to see from my team. We are working hard everyday and it is so great to do that."
Up next for the youngster is France's Benjamin Bonzi, who defeated home favourite Christopher Eubanks in round two.