SION/STARNBERG, August 22, 2026
Dominic Stricker has clinched the title of the AXA Open de Sion. The No. 6 seed of the ATP Challenger 50 tournament defeated qualifier Benjamin Hassan of Lebanon 6-1, 2-6, 6-2 in Saturday’s singles final.
Stricker struck 11 aces and won 80 per cent of his first-service points. The 24-year-old leftie from Switzerland capitalized on all of his four break-point chances to prevail after one hour and 14 minutes.
Swiss Made. Swiss Won. 🇨🇭🏆@DominicStricker comes out on top against Hassan 6-1, 2-6, 6-2 to lift his first Challenger trophy of the year in front of the home crowd in Sion! 👏#ATPChallenger | @swiss_tennis pic.twitter.com/5c0KsHigFb
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) August 22, 2026
Stricker’s victory marked his first title at Challenger level this year, following ITF World Tennis Tour M25 triumphs in Trimbach, Switzerland, and Saint-Dizier, France, in March. He pocketed € 8,550 in prize money as well as 50 ATP Ranking points.
The first edition of the AXA Open de Sion was hosted by the Tennis-Club De Valere in Sion, the capital of the canton of Valais in southwestern Switzerland. Sion a picturesque city surrounded by vineyards and the spectacular peaks of the Alps. With its sunny climate and distinctive landscape, Sion is one of the most charming destinations in the Rhone Valley.
The city is best known for its two historic hilltop landmarks: Valere Basilica and Tourbillon Castle, which dominate the skyline and offer impressive views across the valley. Sion’s old town, with its narrow streets, historic buildings and lively squares, adds to its unique atmosphere.
Beyond its rich history, Sion is also an important gateway to the Valais Alps and the region’s famous wine country. The combination of mountains, vineyards, culture and Mediterranean-like sunshine gives Sion a distinctive character in the heart of Switzerland.
