UpdatedMay 15, 2022, 1:21 p.m.
Carried by a well-stocked central, the Genevan dominated Lukas Rosol (6-4, 6-4) to celebrate a first qualification in the main draw of a Grand Prix. With the way.
Johan Nikles is in great shape at his home in Geneva.
LUCIEN FORTUNATI
It was a heart-warming clamor. When Johan Nikles (ATP 294) slammed a last forehand volley lifted away from Lukas Rosol (6-4, 6-4), the center of the Eaux-Vives park had his first great happiness. A simple, close happiness. The one you feel when a “local kid” has come a long way and proves it in front of those who matter.
Johan Nikles therefore holds the first qualification of his career in the main draw of a “Grand Prix”. And to see him, this Sunday morning, taming the strikes of Lukas Rosol or taking the energy of the public to force the great Czech to defend (which he hates), there is now no doubt that the Genevan has reached a new level. these last months. “It was not easy to start from scratch after yesterday’s victory (against Gojowczyk, first Top 100). But I managed to stay in my bubble, I had the impression of taking the energy of the public while remaining very calm. Winning this match in front of my family, my friends – I felt like I knew everyone in the stadium – these are very strong feelings.
Maturity thanks to the Challengers
However, these emotions, Johan Nikles managed to transform them into positive energy, raising the level of his game at the right time in both sets. A maturity that he sought in the fall on the Challenger circuit, in particular during a successful South American tour. “It is true that these matches have done me good. After my defeat in Gstaad against Kopriva, I felt a lack of experience at this level. And with my coach, we had decided that we had to dare to ride a Challenger, even if it meant going through the qualifications and winning less. Playing against Dellien, O’Connell or Rosol, against whom I had taken 6-2, 6-1 last summer, allowed me to develop my game. I am now better equipped to manage the demands of the top level.”
So much the better. Because the Genevan, who played eight days ago in Interclubs on the same courts against Teufenthal, could find a certain Dominic Thiem in the first round (the location taken by the four qualified will be drawn this Sunday). And if it’s not the winner of the US Open 2020, Johan Nikles could find Basilashvili (25th), Ramos-Vinolas (43rd) or Leandro Riedi for a Swiss derby!