What a historic and unforgettable week it has been at the AXA Open de Sion 2026! Making its grand debut on the ATP Challenger Tour (Challenger 50), this year’s tournament brought world-class professional tennis, packed stands, and an electric atmosphere to the red clay courts of Tennis Club Valère.
From gripping qualifying rounds to a dream singles final and high-octane doubles battles, the 2026 edition delivered top-tier sporting drama while celebrating the vibrant tennis culture of the Valais.
Singles Drama: Dominic Stricker Thrills the Home Crowd
The inaugural ATP Challenger singles draw produced a week of relentless intensity, featuring seasoned tour veterans alongside emerging international talent.
Swiss star and fan favourite Dominic Stricker captured the hearts of local spectators with a commanding run through the draw. In a captivating final on Centre Court, Stricker faced qualifier Benjamin Hassan (LBN), who had battled through a gruelling week to earn his spot in the championship match.
Stricker came out firing in the opening set, setting the tone with razor-sharp baseline hitting and decisive court coverage. Hassan mounted an impressive fightback to claim the second set, but Stricker held his nerve in the decider. Backed by a roaring home crowd, the Swiss left-hander raised his level, breaking decisively to seal a memorable 6–1, 2–6, 6–2 victory and keep the Sion singles trophy on Swiss soil.
Doubles Excellence: Neuchrist & Poljak Take the Crown
The doubles competition delivered fast-paced, high-calibre entertainment all week long.
The unseeded pairing of Maximilian Neuchrist (AUT) and David Poljak (CZE) proved to be the standout team of the tournament. Demonstrating seamless chemistry, tactical net play, and clinical serving, the Austrian-Czech duo powered through the draw to reach the final.
Facing the formidable South American pairing of Murkel Dellien (BOL) and Facundo Mena (ARG), Neuchrist and Poljak maintained their composure in crucial moments. Converting key break points in each set, they closed out a well-earned 6–4, 6–4 victory to lift the 2026 AXA Open de Sion doubles trophy.
Beyond the Baseline: Side Events & Community Spirit
The AXA Open de Sion has always been about more than just the action on court — it is a true celebration of community.
Throughout the week, the tournament village buzzed with excitement and camaraderie:
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The AXA Tavolata: Bringing together partners, players, and local guests for an evening of Valaisan culinary delights and shared passion for sport.
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The One Point Challenge: Giving amateur players and tennis enthusiasts the unique thrill of stepping onto the tournament clay under match conditions.
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Record Crowds: With free admission offered to the public, thousands of fans packed the terraces of TC Valère throughout the week, creating an electric, family-friendly stadium atmosphere.
Impeccable Organisation & Teamwork
Stepping up to the ATP Challenger Tour required a monumental collective effort. Under the guidance of Tournament Director Yves Allégro and the team at Five Sports Management, the event operated with world-class professionalism.
From the grounds crew and court maintenance team at TC Valère — who kept the clay in pristine condition through intense heat and heavy match schedules — to the line judges, ball kids, and dedicated volunteers, every member of the team played an essential role in making this week a resounding success.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The 2026 edition has set a new benchmark for professional tennis in Switzerland. The successful transition to the ATP Challenger 50 circuit proved that Sion is a premier destination for world-class tennis, warm hospitality, and unforgettable sporting moments.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our title partner AXA, the City of Sion, the Canton of Valais, all our tournament sponsors, the tireless volunteers, and above all, the incredible fans who brought the courts of TC Valère to life.
We cannot wait to welcome you back for the AXA Open de Sion 2027!
Photos: Frédéric Dubuis
Tournament organised by Five Sports Management
Tournament Director: Yves Allégro