Top stars live up to their billing

On Wednesday, the favourites prevailed at Swiss Indoors Basel and underscored their ambitions in impressive fashion. 

Casper Ruud (ATP 11) opened the day with a convincing performance against Quentin Halys (ATP 78). The Norwegian dominated with his powerful baseline play, winning in straight sets 6–1, 7–6. With a tough season behind him, Ruud demonstrated once again that he thrives on fast indoor courts. 

Taylor Fritz (ATP 4) also took his opening hurdle in stride. After a slow start against Monegasque Valentin Vacherot (ATP 39), the top-seeded American eventually found his rhythm, winning 4–6, 7–6, 7–5. His strong serve and steady nerves in key moments carried Fritz through to the second round. 

s rounded off a successful day for the stars. The Canadian beat his compatriot Gabriel Diallo (ATP 41) 6–2, 7–5 and continued his tradition of strong performances in Basel, where he took the title in 2022 and 2023. 

This means three of the tournament’s biggest names have advanced comfortably into the second round – and provided a taste of the top-quality tennis that spectators can look forward to in the coming days. 

Thursday has several highlights in store for the Center Court crowd: Felix Auger-Aliassime (ATP 12) will meet Marin Cilic (ATP 89), Ben Shelton (ATP 6) will face Jaume Munar (ATP 42), and local favourite Stan Wawrinka (ATP 158) will take on Casper Ruud (ATP 11). To cap off the evening, Taylor Fritz (ATP 4) will go up against in-form Frenchman Ugo Humbert (ATP 24). 

The stage is set for another day of excitement, emotion and world-class tennis at St. Jakobshalle.