Stan Wawrinka, who is playing in his last Australian Open, ended a 48-year-old drought at the year's first slam with is marathon five-set win on Thursday (Jan 22) at Show Court Arena in Melbourne. The Swiss, who played under the shadow of legendary Roger Federer througout his career, eteched his name in the history by becoming first player at 40 or above to reach the third round at any grand slam. He beat 21-year-old Arthur Gea 4-6 6-3 3-6 7-5 7-6 [10-3] in a nail-biting finish.<h2>HIGHLIGHTS | Wawrinka wins five-set thriller to enter Australian Open 2026 R3</h2>The wildcard from Switzerland started the match with 4-6 loss in the first set before coming back strongly to win 6-3 in the second one. The third set again went to Gea 3-6 before the sets started going deep. Wawrinka came out on top with 7-5 win the fourth set to leave the final set as winner takes all and he didn't dissappoint - winning it 7(10)-6(3). Have a look at the winning highlights below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">STAN. WAWRINKA. 👏 The Swiss legend defeats Arthur Gea in a blockbuster five set thriller to advance to R3! 🇨🇭<a href="https://twitter.com/stanwawrinka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stanwawrinka</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/tntsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tntsports</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO26</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mkrbv9edtN">pic.twitter.com/Mkrbv9edtN</a>&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/2014273893679145314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2026-novak-djokovic-strolls-into-round-three-madison-keys-wobbles-to-keep-title-defence-alive-1769062710845">AO: Djokovic strolls into round three, Keys wobbles to keep title defence alive</a><h2>How did Wawrinka react after the win?</h2>"It’s my last Australian Open so I’m trying to last as long as possible," acknowledged the 40-year-old after the match, looking exhausted. "I’m always going to fight, I’m always going to leave everything on the court, always trying my best, trying to push myself."It's a(n) amazing feeling to be on this court, to have so much noise, so much support, it was a long match, I don’t know how I’m going to recover, but I’m super happy. Maybe I’m going to pick up a beer, I deserve one," he added.<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2026-scared-zverev-enters-round-3-after-medical-timeout-and-pain-killer-vs-muller-1769002476720">Zverev in R3 after injury scare</a></h2>German Zverev beat Alexandre Muller 6-3 4-6 6-3 6-4 on Wednesday (Jan 21) at John Cain Arena - his favorite in Melbourne. Zverev revealed after the match that he did take a pain-killer during the medical timeout and was fine after that. He also acknowledged getting 'scared' as the injury was closer to Achilles Tendon area - a part he had suffered injuries in the past which have gone for longer duration.&nbsp;

Wawrinka started the match with 4-6 loss in the first set before coming back strongly to win 6-3 in the second one. He eventually beat Arthur Gea 4-6 6-3 3-6 7-5 7-6 [10-3] in a nail-biting finish, becoming first 40 or older player to enter R3 at a major since Ken Rosewall in 1978.

Stan Wawrinka, who is playing in his last Australian Open, ended a 48-year-old drought at the year's first slam with is marathon five-set win on Thursday (Jan 22) at Show Court Arena in Melbourne. The Swiss, who played under the shadow of legendary Roger Federer througout his career, eteched his name in the history by becoming first player at 40 or above to reach the third round at any grand slam. He beat 21-year-old Arthur Gea 4-6 6-3 3-6 7-5 7-6 [10-3] in a nail-biting finish. HIGHLIGHTS | Wawrinka wins five-set thriller to enter Australian Open 2026 R3 The wildcard from Switzerland started the match with 4-6 loss in the first set before coming back strongly to win 6-3 in the second one. The third set again went to Gea 3-6 before the sets started going deep. Wawrinka came out on top with 7-5 win the fourth set to leave the final set as winner takes all and he didn't dissappoint - winning it 7(10)-6(3). Have a look at the winning highlights below:

Wawrinka started the match with 4-6 loss in the first set before coming back strongly to win 6-3 in the second one. He eventually beat Arthur Gea 4-6 6-3 3-6 7-5 7-6 [10-3] in a nail-biting finish, becoming first 40 or older player to enter R3 at a major since Ken Rosewall in 1978.

Australian Open 2026: Wawrinka, 40, wins five-set thriller to end 48-year-old drought

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka was handed a wildcard Friday for the Australian Open, a tournament he first played almost 20 years ago. The 39-year-old Swiss won the title at Melbourne Park in 2014, defeating Rafael Nadal. It was&nbsp;his first Grand Slam triumph and he peaked at world number three with the victory, later adding major titles at Roland Garros in 2015 and the US Open a year later.

"I'm incredibly grateful to receive a wildcard into the Australian Open in 2025," said Wawrinka, who has battled injuries in recent years and had drifted down the rankings. "Melbourne holds such a special place in my heart -– it's where I won my first Grand Slam and is one of the greatest milestones of my career."

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Eight Australians also won wildcards, including Daria Saville and Ajla Tomljanovic. Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai and Thailand's Kasidit Samrej had already been granted main draw wildcard entry after winning an Asia-Pacific playoff. The opening Grand Slam of 2025 runs from January 12-26.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka was handed a wildcard Friday for the Australian Open, a tournament he first played almost 20 years ago. The 39-year-old Swiss won the title at Melbourne Park in 2014, defeating Rafael Nadal.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka was handed a wildcard Friday for the Australian Open, a tournament he first played almost 20 years ago. The 39-year-old Swiss won the title at Melbourne Park in 2014, defeating Rafael Nadal. It was his first Grand Slam triumph and he peaked at world number three with the victory, later adding major titles at Roland Garros in 2015 and the US Open a year later. "I'm incredibly grateful to receive a wildcard into the Australian Open in 2025," said Wawrinka, who has battled injuries in recent years and had drifted down the rankings. "Melbourne holds such a special place in my heart -– it's where I won my first Grand Slam and is one of the greatest milestones of my career." Also read: Sweden ends rape inquiry allegedly targeting France star Kylian Mbappe Eight Australians also won wildcards, including Daria Saville and Ajla Tomljanovic. Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai and Thailand's Kasidit Samrej had already been granted main draw wildcard entry after winning an Asia-Pacific playoff. The opening Grand Slam of 2025 runs from January 12-26. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka gets Australian Open wildcard

Andy Murray said he was "proud" after his French Open career ended Sunday with a first-round defeat by 2015 champion and fellow three-time Grand Slam title winner Stan Wawrinka.

Murray, the runner-up at Roland Garros in 2016, lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in his last singles appearance at the tournament before retiring later this year.

The 37-year-old had already announced he plans to call time on his career in the summer with Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics as the two high-profile events left on his schedule.

On Sunday, he left to a standing ovation from the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier and Murray returned the gesture by applauding the fans.

As well as his run to the final eight years ago, when he lost to Novak Djokovic, Murray reached the semi-finals four times and the last eight twice.

"Most players would sign up for the results I've had here," he said. "In a different time maybe the results would have been a bit different.

"I had great memories... It was not an easy surface for me. But I always showed up and put in some strong performances, considering. It was a good run here over the years."

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It was Murray's first appearance at Roland Garros since losing to Wawrinka in the first round four years ago and only his second since a dramatic semi-final defeat by the Swiss in 2017.

The Briton has struggled in recent months with an ankle injury but opted not to have surgery in a bid to play a last French Open.

"Sometimes now when you do have an injury it just takes a little bit longer for your body to get used to the intensity of the matches and stuff," added Murray, who said he would next play at the grass-court event in Stuttgart, which starts the week after Roland Garros.

"My body isn't what it was, you know, 10 years ago. I'm fully aware of that.

"It takes a lot of time and effort to get it in a position to go out there and compete.

"It's not always perfect. But it is what it is and I still enjoy giving a go and trying to get myself out there and be as competitive as possible."

Wawrinka, who has now defeated Murray three times in four meetings in Paris, described his opponent as an "amazing champion".

The Swiss veteran goes on to face either Cameron Norrie of Britain or Russia's Pavel Kotov for a place in the third round.

Wawrinka became only the third man over the age of 39 to win a match at the French Open since 1980.

"He achieved everything a player could achieve in tennis," Wawrinka said of Murray, against whom he trails 13-10 in their head-to-head record. "He's an amazing champion, amazing guy. I think he has a lot of fans, a lot of people start playing tennis because of him. I respect him a lot.

"I enjoyed playing him a lot last 20 years. We played so many times, so many big battles. Hopefully he's going to keep going a little bit."

Andy Murray said he was "proud" after his French Open career ended Sunday with a first-round defeat by 2015 champion and fellow three-time Grand Slam title winner Stan Wawrinka.

Andy Murray said he was "proud" after his French Open career ended Sunday with a first-round defeat by 2015 champion and fellow three-time Grand Slam title winner Stan Wawrinka. Murray, the runner-up at Roland Garros in 2016, lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in his last singles appearance at the tournament before retiring later this year. The 37-year-old had already announced he plans to call time on his career in the summer with Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics as the two high-profile events left on his schedule. On Sunday, he left to a standing ovation from the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier and Murray returned the gesture by applauding the fans. As well as his run to the final eight years ago, when he lost to Novak Djokovic, Murray reached the semi-finals four times and the last eight twice. "Most players would sign up for the results I've had here," he said. "In a different time maybe the results would have been a bit different. "I had great memories... It was not an easy surface for me. But I always showed up and put in some strong performances, considering. It was a good run here over the years." ALSO READ: French Open 2024: Carlos Alcaraz makes winning start at Roland Garros It was Murray's first appearance at Roland Garros since losing to Wawrinka in the first round four years ago and only his second since a dramatic semi-final defeat by the Swiss in 2017. The Briton has struggled in recent months with an ankle injury but opted not to have surgery in a bid to play a last French Open. "Sometimes now when you do have an injury it just takes a little bit longer for your body to get used to the intensity of the matches and stuff," added Murray, who said he would next play at the grass-court event in Stuttgart, which starts the week after Roland Garros. "My body isn't what it was, you know, 10 years ago. I'm fully aware of that. "It takes a lot of time and effort to get it in a position to go out there and compete. "It's not always perfect. But it is what it is and I still enjoy giving a go and trying to get myself out there and be as competitive as possible." Wawrinka, who has now defeated Murray three times in four meetings in Paris, described his opponent as an "amazing champion". The Swiss veteran goes on to face either Cameron Norrie of Britain or Russia's Pavel Kotov for a place in the third round. Wawrinka became only the third man over the age of 39 to win a match at the French Open since 1980. "He achieved everything a player could achieve in tennis," Wawrinka said of Murray, against whom he trails 13-10 in their head-to-head record. "He's an amazing champion, amazing guy. I think he has a lot of fans, a lot of people start playing tennis because of him. I respect him a lot. "I enjoyed playing him a lot last 20 years. We played so many times, so many big battles. Hopefully he's going to keep going a little bit."

Tennis: Andy Murray bids adieu to French Open with first-round loss to Wawrinka

World number one Novak Djokovic made an emphatic start at the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-1 6-2 win over Russia's Roman Safiullin to ease into the third round at a rain-delayed day three on Tuesday (April 9).

Djokovic, who pulled out of the recent Miami Open as he tries to balance his schedule, looked fresh as he broke Safiullin's serve three times in the opening set, and a further two breaks in the second was enough to seal the win.

Hubert Hurkacz is into the second round with a 6-4 3-6 7-6(2) win, but was made to battle by Britain's Jack Draper after the Polish 10th seed looked like dominating early on.

Hurkacz, who also beat Draper at last year's tournament, will face Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain in the second round.

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Alex de Minaur had little trouble seeing off the challenge of former champion Stan Wawrinka, winning 6-3 6-0 to progress to the second round.

Wawrinka won the title in 2014, but a decade later the Swiss 39-year-old was no match for the Australian 11th seed, who needed only 24 minutes to complete a bagel in the second set, and will face Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.

World number one Novak Djokovic made an emphatic start at the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-1 6-2 win over Russia's Roman Safiullin to ease into the third round at a rain-delayed day three on Tuesday (April 9).

World number one Novak Djokovic made an emphatic start at the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-1 6-2 win over Russia's Roman Safiullin to ease into the third round at a rain-delayed day three on Tuesday (April 9). Djokovic, who pulled out of the recent Miami Open as he tries to balance his schedule, looked fresh as he broke Safiullin's serve three times in the opening set, and a further two breaks in the second was enough to seal the win. Hubert Hurkacz is into the second round with a 6-4 3-6 7-6(2) win, but was made to battle by Britain's Jack Draper after the Polish 10th seed looked like dominating early on. Hurkacz, who also beat Draper at last year's tournament, will face Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain in the second round. ALSO READ | Champions League: Real Madrid-Man City settle for frantic draw at Bernabeu; Bayern-Arsenal finishes all square Alex de Minaur had little trouble seeing off the challenge of former champion Stan Wawrinka, winning 6-3 6-0 to progress to the second round. Wawrinka won the title in 2014, but a decade later the Swiss 39-year-old was no match for the Australian 11th seed, who needed only 24 minutes to complete a bagel in the second set, and will face Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.

Tennis: Novak Djokovic sails through as Alex de Minaur thrashes Stan Wawrinka at Monte Carlo

Five-times runner-up Andy Murray and 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka have enjoyed plenty of deep runs at the Australian Open but the veteran pair were both dumped out in the first round on Monday. Murray fell 6-4 6-2 6-2 to Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry while Wawrinka took 20th seed Adrian Mannarino to five sets before going down 6-4 3-6 5-7 6-3 6-0.

The last time Murray went out in the opening round of the Melbourne Park major was in 2019 when the Scot expressed doubts about his tennis future before going on to resurrect his career after having hip-resurfacing surgery. The 36-year-old twice Wimbledon champion has struggled to reach the latter stages at Grand Slams in recent years but dragged himself into the third round in Melbourne in 2023 with back-to-back five-sets wins.

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Wawrinka was the only player in the men's draw other than defending champion Novak Djokovic to have claimed the Melbourne Park trophy and the 38-year-old Swiss hoped Monday's loss would not be his final appearance at the Grand Slam. "I'll see how the year goes. It's just the beginning of the year," Wawrinka said. "In general, I'm quite positive with where I am right now. "Even after the loss, there is some good opportunity for me to keep pushing, keep playing some good results and hopefully I can come back next year."

<h2>DANIIL MEDVEDEV GETS A WALKOVER</h2>

AFP: Frenchman Terence Atmane smashed his racquet, served underarm and retired in tears as he dealt with serious cramp in pushing third seed Daniil Medvedev hard at the Australian Open on Monday. The qualifier struggled in the searing heat on Margaret Court Arena, stunning the Russian by taking the first set but was unable to continue when trailing 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 1-0.

"The conditions were brutal," said two-time tournament finalist Medvedev. "The more he (Atmane) plays this intensity, the better he will be prepared."&nbsp; "I'm just happy to be through," he added. "I played bad at the beginning in the first set, but I was happy I could regain momentum."&nbsp;

Five-times runner-up Andy Murray and 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka have enjoyed plenty of deep runs at the Australian Open but the veteran pair were both dumped out in the first round on Monday.

Five-times runner-up Andy Murray and 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka have enjoyed plenty of deep runs at the Australian Open but the veteran pair were both dumped out in the first round on Monday. Murray fell 6-4 6-2 6-2 to Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry while Wawrinka took 20th seed Adrian Mannarino to five sets before going down 6-4 3-6 5-7 6-3 6-0. The last time Murray went out in the opening round of the Melbourne Park major was in 2019 when the Scot expressed doubts about his tennis future before going on to resurrect his career after having hip-resurfacing surgery. The 36-year-old twice Wimbledon champion has struggled to reach the latter stages at Grand Slams in recent years but dragged himself into the third round in Melbourne in 2023 with back-to-back five-sets wins. Also read: Australian Open: Daniil Medvedev gets walkover win in opening round after opponent retires with cramps Wawrinka was the only player in the men's draw other than defending champion Novak Djokovic to have claimed the Melbourne Park trophy and the 38-year-old Swiss hoped Monday's loss would not be his final appearance at the Grand Slam. "I'll see how the year goes. It's just the beginning of the year," Wawrinka said. "In general, I'm quite positive with where I am right now. "Even after the loss, there is some good opportunity for me to keep pushing, keep playing some good results and hopefully I can come back next year." DANIIL MEDVEDEV GETS A WALKOVER AFP: Frenchman Terence Atmane smashed his racquet, served underarm and retired in tears as he dealt with serious cramp in pushing third seed Daniil Medvedev hard at the Australian Open on Monday. The qualifier struggled in the searing heat on Margaret Court Arena, stunning the Russian by taking the first set but was unable to continue when trailing 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 1-0. "The conditions were brutal," said two-time tournament finalist Medvedev. "The more he (Atmane) plays this intensity, the better he will be prepared." "I'm just happy to be through," he added. "I played bad at the beginning in the first set, but I was happy I could regain momentum."

Tennis: Experienced campaigners Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka make early Australian Open exits

Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years as the 38-year-old Swiss proved the old adage that class is permanent and form temporary by knocking out seeded Argentine Tomas Etcheverry on Thursday to reach the third round at Wimbledon. His career may be in its twilight but Wawrinka proved a notch above a man 15 years his junior to claim a 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-2 victory on a sunny Court Three.

It was the first time Wawrinka has reached the third round of a Grand Slam in three years and his reward is a box-office duel with defending champion Novak Djokovic, the man he famously made cry after beating him in the 2015 French Open final.

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The 88th-ranked Wawrinka, who has extended his career despite issues with his knees, had lost in the first or second round of his last six Grand Slam tournaments.

"It's a long time that I didn't win too much at Grand Slams," Wawrinka, who once turned the so-called big four into a big five by winning the 2014 Australian Open, the French Open a year later and the 2016 U.S. Open, said on court after an impressive display against the 29th seed. "I've been working hard to get back to a better level and I'm happy with the way I'm coming up."

<h2>Hunting ground</h2>

Wimbledon has never been Wawrinka's happiest hunting ground with only two quarter-finals runs and he has made the third round for the first time since 2015.

Djokovic, bidding for a fifth consecutive Wimbledon title and a joint-record eighth in total, leads their career head-to-head 20-6, but they have never met on grass.

"I'll enjoy it if I don't get killed," Wawrinka said of his impending showdown with the Serb who has lost only twice at Wimbledon since 2013 -- one of which was due to an injury withdrawal.

"I'm happy to have the chance to play against him on grass at least one time. It's a big challenge but hopefully I can come to a higher level and be competitive."

"I'll push to the maximum and see what happens."

For Wawrinka to stand any chance of stopping Djokovic's march to a 24th Grand Slam title, he will need all the tools in his considerable toolbox, especially his signature backhand.

That stroke, the subject of endless internet montages, softened up Djokovic in the 2015 Roland Garros showdown and in the 2016 U.S. Open final when he produced three sets of almost unplayable brilliance.

It was also in fine fettle on Thursday, as was his hammer-like forehand, although it was experience that really paid off as he moved Etcheverry around the court.

Only in the second set did Wawrinka briefly wobble, but after breaking serve at 3-3 in the third he seized the match.

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Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years as the 38-year-old Swiss proved the old adage that class is permanent and form temporary by knocking out seeded Argentine Tomas Etcheverry on Thursday to reach the third round at Wimbledon.

Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years as the 38-year-old Swiss proved the old adage that class is permanent and form temporary by knocking out seeded Argentine Tomas Etcheverry on Thursday to reach the third round at Wimbledon. His career may be in its twilight but Wawrinka proved a notch above a man 15 years his junior to claim a 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-2 victory on a sunny Court Three. It was the first time Wawrinka has reached the third round of a Grand Slam in three years and his reward is a box-office duel with defending champion Novak Djokovic, the man he famously made cry after beating him in the 2015 French Open final. ALSO READ: Tennis: 'Not everything is about money' - Daria Kasatkina concerned about potential Saudi investment in WTA The 88th-ranked Wawrinka, who has extended his career despite issues with his knees, had lost in the first or second round of his last six Grand Slam tournaments. "It's a long time that I didn't win too much at Grand Slams," Wawrinka, who once turned the so-called big four into a big five by winning the 2014 Australian Open, the French Open a year later and the 2016 U.S. Open, said on court after an impressive display against the 29th seed. "I've been working hard to get back to a better level and I'm happy with the way I'm coming up." Hunting ground Wimbledon has never been Wawrinka's happiest hunting ground with only two quarter-finals runs and he has made the third round for the first time since 2015. Djokovic, bidding for a fifth consecutive Wimbledon title and a joint-record eighth in total, leads their career head-to-head 20-6, but they have never met on grass. "I'll enjoy it if I don't get killed," Wawrinka said of his impending showdown with the Serb who has lost only twice at Wimbledon since 2013 -- one of which was due to an injury withdrawal. "I'm happy to have the chance to play against him on grass at least one time. It's a big challenge but hopefully I can come to a higher level and be competitive." "I'll push to the maximum and see what happens." For Wawrinka to stand any chance of stopping Djokovic's march to a 24th Grand Slam title, he will need all the tools in his considerable toolbox, especially his signature backhand. That stroke, the subject of endless internet montages, softened up Djokovic in the 2015 Roland Garros showdown and in the 2016 U.S. Open final when he produced three sets of almost unplayable brilliance. It was also in fine fettle on Thursday, as was his hammer-like forehand, although it was experience that really paid off as he moved Etcheverry around the court. Only in the second set did Wawrinka briefly wobble, but after breaking serve at 3-3 in the third he seized the match. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wimbledon: Stan Wawrinka sets up third round clash with Novak Djokovic following win over Tomas Etcheverry

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka scored a win for the old guard Monday,&nbsp;beating 19-year-old seventh seed Holger Rune 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells.

A former world number three now ranked 100th, Wawrinka has had two left knee and two left foot surgeries since he reached the Indian Wells and Roland Garros finals in 2017.

At 37, he had 18 years on his opponent, but he avenged a first-round defeat to the Dane at the Paris Masters in November, where Rune saved three match points to launch his run to a first Masters title.

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It looked like the young Dane, ranked eighth in the world, might pull off a similar comeback when he saved a match point and broke Wawrinka in the ninth game of the second set.

Rune clawed back from 5-2 down in the second-set tiebreaker to force a third set, but Wawrinka dictated the pace using his trademark backhand to good effect.

The Swiss, who won the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015 and the US Open in 2016, finished with 12 aces and didn't face a break point in the final set.

He broke Rune in the penultimate game and served out the victory in two hours and 40 minutes -- and more than an hour after his first match point.

"I should have won the match way before," Wawrinka said. "I started feeling nervous and hesitated a little bit. He came back in the match. He is an amazing player, a young player.

"But it is special to keep winning. I really enjoy the second seek atmosphere," said Wawrinka , who has reached quarter-finals in Marseille and Rotterdam this year.

"It was important to stay there mentally because I am playing well. All my career I know only one way: to keep fighting, working pushing myself and stay positive."

Wawrinka will fight for a quarter-final berth against another young talent in 21-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner, who beat France's Adrian Mannarino 7-6 (9/7), 6-4.

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Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka scored a win for the old guard Monday, beating 19-year-old seventh seed Holger Rune 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka scored a win for the old guard Monday, beating 19-year-old seventh seed Holger Rune 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells. A former world number three now ranked 100th, Wawrinka has had two left knee and two left foot surgeries since he reached the Indian Wells and Roland Garros finals in 2017. At 37, he had 18 years on his opponent, but he avenged a first-round defeat to the Dane at the Paris Masters in November, where Rune saved three match points to launch his run to a first Masters title. Also Read: PSG defender Achraf Hakimi named in Morocco squad despite rape accusations It looked like the young Dane, ranked eighth in the world, might pull off a similar comeback when he saved a match point and broke Wawrinka in the ninth game of the second set. Rune clawed back from 5-2 down in the second-set tiebreaker to force a third set, but Wawrinka dictated the pace using his trademark backhand to good effect. The Swiss, who won the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015 and the US Open in 2016, finished with 12 aces and didn't face a break point in the final set. He broke Rune in the penultimate game and served out the victory in two hours and 40 minutes -- and more than an hour after his first match point. "I should have won the match way before," Wawrinka said. "I started feeling nervous and hesitated a little bit. He came back in the match. He is an amazing player, a young player. "But it is special to keep winning. I really enjoy the second seek atmosphere," said Wawrinka , who has reached quarter-finals in Marseille and Rotterdam this year. "It was important to stay there mentally because I am playing well. All my career I know only one way: to keep fighting, working pushing myself and stay positive." Wawrinka will fight for a quarter-final berth against another young talent in 21-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner, who beat France's Adrian Mannarino 7-6 (9/7), 6-4. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka reaches Indian Wells round of 16

The former World No. 1 Andy Murray showed his fighting qualities on Monday as he defeated Stan Wawrinka in the opening round of the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati. Murray registered a hard-fought victory against long-time rival Stan Wawrinka 7-6(3), 5-7, 7-5 to advance to the next round. The 35-year-old Scot consistently found depth on his watertight groundstrokes as he forced the Swiss into making mistakes, who combined moments of erratic play. After both stayed firm on serve, a tie-break was left to decide the opener, with Murray claiming the set when Wawrinka shot a forehand long. In the third set, the Scot fought hard from 0-2 down, eventually breaking to lead 6-5 before successfully holding to triumph.

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"The court is pretty lively when the weather is like this. Physically I feel tired," Murray said in his on-court interview. "I had some issues with cramp during the match, the same as Washington, so that is something I need to get on top of. "I tried to take the ball on a little more and finish points at the net. I wasn`t that successful&nbsp;when I came up, but the intention was there. I was a little more offensive on the second-serve return. Last game I was just fighting, trying to find a way through," he added. "He is very different to how Stan plays, being a lefty. Flat on the backhand, heavy topspin on the forehand. We have spent a little bit of time on the court together, so there won`t be many surprises out there for me," Murray said when looking ahead to his match against Norrie.

The former World No. 1 Andy Murray showed his fighting qualities on Monday as he defeated Stan Wawrinka in the opening round of the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati.

The former World No. 1 Andy Murray showed his fighting qualities on Monday as he defeated Stan Wawrinka in the opening round of the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati. Murray registered a hard-fought victory against long-time rival Stan Wawrinka 7-6(3), 5-7, 7-5 to advance to the next round. The 35-year-old Scot consistently found depth on his watertight groundstrokes as he forced the Swiss into making mistakes, who combined moments of erratic play. After both stayed firm on serve, a tie-break was left to decide the opener, with Murray claiming the set when Wawrinka shot a forehand long. In the third set, the Scot fought hard from 0-2 down, eventually breaking to lead 6-5 before successfully holding to triumph. ALSO READ | Controversy erupts after spectator asked to remove Ukraine flag at Cincinnati Open by officials - WATCH "The court is pretty lively when the weather is like this. Physically I feel tired," Murray said in his on-court interview. "I had some issues with cramp during the match, the same as Washington, so that is something I need to get on top of. "I tried to take the ball on a little more and finish points at the net. I wasn`t that successful when I came up, but the intention was there. I was a little more offensive on the second-serve return. Last game I was just fighting, trying to find a way through," he added. "He is very different to how Stan plays, being a lefty. Flat on the backhand, heavy topspin on the forehand. We have spent a little bit of time on the court together, so there won`t be many surprises out there for me," Murray said when looking ahead to his match against Norrie.

Cincinnati Masters: Andy Murray goes past Stan Wawrinka to enter second round

Former champion Andy Murray has been added to the main draw of the U.S. Open following the withdrawal of Swiss Stan Wawrinka, tournament organizers said on Monday.

Murray, who had hip surgeries in 2018 and 2019, has only played a handful of ATP Tour-level events this year having missed the Australian Open because of a positive COVID-19 test and opting out of competing at the French Open.

The 34-year-old Murray reached the third round at Wimbledon but withdrew from the men's singles tournament at the Tokyo Olympics on the advice of his medical team, dashing his hopes for a third consecutive gold medal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-novak-djokovic-withdraws-from-western-southern-open-404346" hreflang="en">Tennis: Novak Djokovic withdraws from Western &amp; Southern Open</a>

Murray, who won the first of his three career Grand Slam titles at the 2012 U.S. Open, did represent Britain in the men's doubles event in Tokyo where he lost in the quarter-finals.

At last year's U.S. Open, Murray suffered a straight-set loss in the second round to Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Wawrinka, who captured the last of his three career Grand Slam titles at the 2016 U.S. Open, withdrew as he continues to recover from foot surgery.

The 36-year-old former world number three underwent an operation on his left foot this year and has not played on the tour since an opening round defeat at the Qatar Open in March.

The U.S. Open runs from August 30th to 12th September.

Former champion Andy Murray has been added to the main draw of the U.S. Open following the withdrawal of Swiss Stan Wawrinka, tournament organizers said on Monday.

Former champion Andy Murray has been added to the main draw of the U.S. Open following the withdrawal of Swiss Stan Wawrinka, tournament organizers said on Monday. Murray, who had hip surgeries in 2018 and 2019, has only played a handful of ATP Tour-level events this year having missed the Australian Open because of a positive COVID-19 test and opting out of competing at the French Open. The 34-year-old Murray reached the third round at Wimbledon but withdrew from the men's singles tournament at the Tokyo Olympics on the advice of his medical team, dashing his hopes for a third consecutive gold medal. ALSO READ: Tennis: Novak Djokovic withdraws from Western & Southern Open Murray, who won the first of his three career Grand Slam titles at the 2012 U.S. Open, did represent Britain in the men's doubles event in Tokyo where he lost in the quarter-finals. At last year's U.S. Open, Murray suffered a straight-set loss in the second round to Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Wawrinka, who captured the last of his three career Grand Slam titles at the 2016 U.S. Open, withdrew as he continues to recover from foot surgery. The 36-year-old former world number three underwent an operation on his left foot this year and has not played on the tour since an opening round defeat at the Qatar Open in March. The U.S. Open runs from August 30th to 12th September.

Tennis: Andy Murray added to US Open main draw after Stan Wawrinka withdrawal

World number three Romanian Simona Halep and three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland have become the latest big-name&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;players to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics due to injury problems.

While Halep said she would not recover from a calf injury in time, Wawrinka underwent foot surgery that would rule him out of the Games, which begin on July 23 after being delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Halep and Wawrinka join 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, 20-time major winner Rafa Nadal and U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem among others in skipping the Olympics.

"Nothing brings me more pride than representing Romania, but sadly the recovery from my calf injury requires more time and I have made the decision to withdraw from the Olympic Games this summer," Halep tweeted.

In May, the 29-year-old exited a claycourt event in Rome after picking up the injury during her second-round match against Angelique Kerber and was subsequently forced to miss the French Open and Wimbledon.

"After the disappointment of missing the French Open and Wimbledon having to skip the Olympics is incredibly tough to digest, but I am determined to come back stronger," she added.

Halep suffered an opening-round loss at the London Olympics in 2012 and skipped the 2016 Rio Games due to concerns over the Zika virus.

Former world number three Wawrinka, 36, underwent an operation on his left foot earlier this year and has not played on the tour since his opening round defeat by Lloyd Harris at the Qatar Open in March.

He underwent an additional procedure on the same foot to correct a small niggle, which will rule him out of the Olympics, Wawrinka's team said in a statement.

Wawrinka, who is currently ranked 30th, won a gold medal in doubles with Roger Federer at the 2008 Beijing Games.

"His team of doctors is extremely confident that they have now resolved the issue and that he will return to full fitness in the near future," the statement added.

"He is very disappointed not to be able to play in the Games and represent Switzerland in Tokyo, but he is already working hard on his recovery and towards his goal of getting back on the court as soon as possible."

World number three Romanian Simona Halep and three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland have become the latest big-name tennis players to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics due to injury problems.

World number three Romanian Simona Halep and three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland have become the latest big-name tennis players to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics due to injury problems. While Halep said she would not recover from a calf injury in time, Wawrinka underwent foot surgery that would rule him out of the Games, which begin on July 23 after being delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Halep and Wawrinka join 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, 20-time major winner Rafa Nadal and U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem among others in skipping the Olympics. "Nothing brings me more pride than representing Romania, but sadly the recovery from my calf injury requires more time and I have made the decision to withdraw from the Olympic Games this summer," Halep tweeted. In May, the 29-year-old exited a claycourt event in Rome after picking up the injury during her second-round match against Angelique Kerber and was subsequently forced to miss the French Open and Wimbledon. "After the disappointment of missing the French Open and Wimbledon having to skip the Olympics is incredibly tough to digest, but I am determined to come back stronger," she added. Halep suffered an opening-round loss at the London Olympics in 2012 and skipped the 2016 Rio Games due to concerns over the Zika virus. Former world number three Wawrinka, 36, underwent an operation on his left foot earlier this year and has not played on the tour since his opening round defeat by Lloyd Harris at the Qatar Open in March. He underwent an additional procedure on the same foot to correct a small niggle, which will rule him out of the Olympics, Wawrinka's team said in a statement. Wawrinka, who is currently ranked 30th, won a gold medal in doubles with Roger Federer at the 2008 Beijing Games. "His team of doctors is extremely confident that they have now resolved the issue and that he will return to full fitness in the near future," the statement added. "He is very disappointed not to be able to play in the Games and represent Switzerland in Tokyo, but he is already working hard on his recovery and towards his goal of getting back on the court as soon as possible."

Tennis: Injured Simona Halep, Stan Wawrinka add to list of withdrawals from Tokyo Games

Three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka has pulled out of Wimbledon due to a foot injury that also ruled him out of the ongoing French Open, the governing body of men's&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;(ATP) has said.

Former world number three Wawrinka underwent an operation on his left foot earlier this year. The 36-year-old Swiss has not played on the ATP Tour since his opening round defeat by Lloyd Harris at the Qatar Open in March.

The Wimbledon competition starts on June 28.

Wawrinka has competed at the All England Club on 15 occasions, reaching the quarter-finals in 2014 and 2015.

He won the Australian Open in 2014 before adding the French Open (2015) and U.S. Open (2016) titles to his trophy cabinet.

The world number 24 is in rehabilitation at his base in Monaco. His spokeswoman told Reuters last month that the player hoped to be fit for the grasscourt season.

Three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka has pulled out of Wimbledon due to a foot injury that also ruled him out of the ongoing French Open, the governing body of men's tennis (ATP) has said.

Three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka has pulled out of Wimbledon due to a foot injury that also ruled him out of the ongoing French Open, the governing body of men's tennis (ATP) has said. Former world number three Wawrinka underwent an operation on his left foot earlier this year. The 36-year-old Swiss has not played on the ATP Tour since his opening round defeat by Lloyd Harris at the Qatar Open in March. The Wimbledon competition starts on June 28. Wawrinka has competed at the All England Club on 15 occasions, reaching the quarter-finals in 2014 and 2015. He won the Australian Open in 2014 before adding the French Open (2015) and U.S. Open (2016) titles to his trophy cabinet. The world number 24 is in rehabilitation at his base in Monaco. His spokeswoman told Reuters last month that the player hoped to be fit for the grasscourt season.

Tennnis: Stan Wawrinka out of Wimbledon due to foot injury

Rafael Nadal continued his quest for a maiden <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-medvedevs-winning-run-ends-in-defeat-by-chardy-258739">Paris Masters</a> title with a no-nonsense 6-4 6-4 victory against old foe Stan Wawrinka to reach the quarter-finals on Thursday.

The Spaniard, who will take over as world number one from Novak Djokovic on Monday, converted two of three break chances to claim his 19th win in 22 encounters against the Swiss.

The 19-time grand slam champion will next face local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat German Jan-Lennard Struff 2-6 6-4 7-6(6), making the most of his wildcard status in Paris.

"I think my game worked well. On the return today, for me, it was a little bit difficult," said second seed Nadal, who called a medical timeout because of a minor stomach bug.

"I think I didn't return as well as I was doing in previous days. But it's true that Stan always has a good serve, and difficult to read."

The result ended Wawrinka's hopes of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals, leaving only Frenchman Gael Monfils and Italian Matteo Berrettini with a chance to grab the last of eight tickets for the November&nbsp;10-17 showdown.

Monfils, who needs to reach the last four to leapfrog Berrettini in the race to London after the Italian was eliminated in the second round at Bercy, beat Moldova's Radu Albot 4-6 6-4 6-1.

The Frenchman was a break down in the second set before he started to play more freely and breezed through the decider to set up a clash with Canadian Denis Shapovalov.

Top seed Djokovic had to dig deep in the opening set as he reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6(7) 6-1 win against Britain's Kyle Edmund.

The 16-time grand slam winner was kept on his toes before racing to victory to set up a meeting with Greek seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas who beat Australian Alex De Minaur 6-3 6-4.

Serbian Djokovic bagged the first set at the seventh opportunity and he did not look back after breaking for 2-1 in the second with a booming forehand winner.

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem was beaten 6-3 6-2 by Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who will play in his first quarter-final at a Masters event since Canada 2018.

Dimitrov, who had been struggling since reaching the US&nbsp;Open semi-finals, played brilliantly throughout, taking advantage of Thiem's fading condition after the Austrian won the title in Vienna last Sunday.

Dimitrov next takes on Chile's Cristian Garin, who beat local favourite Jeremy Chardy 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(6).

Sixth-seed German Alexander Zverev also went as he lost 6-2 5-7 6-2 to Shapovalov.

Rafael Nadal continued his quest for a maiden Paris Masters title with a no-nonsense 6-4 6-4 victory against old foe Stan Wawrinka to reach the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Rafael Nadal continued his quest for a maiden Paris Masters title with a no-nonsense 6-4 6-4 victory against old foe Stan Wawrinka to reach the quarter-finals on Thursday. The Spaniard, who will take over as world number one from Novak Djokovic on Monday, converted two of three break chances to claim his 19th win in 22 encounters against the Swiss. The 19-time grand slam champion will next face local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat German Jan-Lennard Struff 2-6 6-4 7-6(6), making the most of his wildcard status in Paris. "I think my game worked well. On the return today, for me, it was a little bit difficult," said second seed Nadal, who called a medical timeout because of a minor stomach bug. "I think I didn't return as well as I was doing in previous days. But it's true that Stan always has a good serve, and difficult to read." The result ended Wawrinka's hopes of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals, leaving only Frenchman Gael Monfils and Italian Matteo Berrettini with a chance to grab the last of eight tickets for the November 10-17 showdown. Monfils, who needs to reach the last four to leapfrog Berrettini in the race to London after the Italian was eliminated in the second round at Bercy, beat Moldova's Radu Albot 4-6 6-4 6-1. The Frenchman was a break down in the second set before he started to play more freely and breezed through the decider to set up a clash with Canadian Denis Shapovalov. Top seed Djokovic had to dig deep in the opening set as he reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6(7) 6-1 win against Britain's Kyle Edmund. The 16-time grand slam winner was kept on his toes before racing to victory to set up a meeting with Greek seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas who beat Australian Alex De Minaur 6-3 6-4. Serbian Djokovic bagged the first set at the seventh opportunity and he did not look back after breaking for 2-1 in the second with a booming forehand winner. Fifth seed Dominic Thiem was beaten 6-3 6-2 by Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who will play in his first quarter-final at a Masters event since Canada 2018. Dimitrov, who had been struggling since reaching the US Open semi-finals, played brilliantly throughout, taking advantage of Thiem's fading condition after the Austrian won the title in Vienna last Sunday. Dimitrov next takes on Chile's Cristian Garin, who beat local favourite Jeremy Chardy 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(6). Sixth-seed German Alexander Zverev also went as he lost 6-2 5-7 6-2 to Shapovalov.

Paris Masters: Nadal marches on in Paris, Djokovic also reaches quarters

Stan Wawrinka outlasted Frances Tiafoe over three sets to set up an all-home quarter-final against compatriot and fellow veteran Roger Federer at the Swiss Indoors on Thursday.

The 34-year-old Wawrinka, who won 6-3 3-6 7-5, will attempt to beat Federer for only the fourth time when they meet for their 27th clash on Friday in a dream tie for the Basel crowd.

Wawrinka's last win over his countryman was at the French Open quarter-finals in 2015, since when Federer, four years his senior, has beaten him seven times in a row.

Earlier, third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas avoided an upset defeat against Ricardas Berankis when he came from a set down.

The Lithuanian, ranked 70th, won the first set in a tiebreak before Tsitsipas took control of his service games to secure the remaining two sets comfortably for a 6-7(4) 6-2 6-4 win.

Sixth-ranked Tsitsipas faced one breakpoint in the match and won 75 per cent&nbsp;of his second-serve points on the way to his 13th quarter-final of the season.

The 21-year-old has recovered well from a poor patch of form in August, reaching the China Open final and the Shanghai Masters semi-finals.

Stan Wawrinka outlasted Frances Tiafoe over three sets to set up an all-home quarter-final against compatriot and fellow veteran Roger Federer at the Swiss Indoors on Thursday.

Stan Wawrinka outlasted Frances Tiafoe over three sets to set up an all-home quarter-final against compatriot and fellow veteran Roger Federer at the Swiss Indoors on Thursday. The 34-year-old Wawrinka, who won 6-3 3-6 7-5, will attempt to beat Federer for only the fourth time when they meet for their 27th clash on Friday in a dream tie for the Basel crowd. Wawrinka's last win over his countryman was at the French Open quarter-finals in 2015, since when Federer, four years his senior, has beaten him seven times in a row. Earlier, third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas avoided an upset defeat against Ricardas Berankis when he came from a set down. The Lithuanian, ranked 70th, won the first set in a tiebreak before Tsitsipas took control of his service games to secure the remaining two sets comfortably for a 6-7(4) 6-2 6-4 win. Sixth-ranked Tsitsipas faced one breakpoint in the match and won 75 per cent of his second-serve points on the way to his 13th quarter-final of the season. The 21-year-old has recovered well from a poor patch of form in August, reaching the China Open final and the Shanghai Masters semi-finals.

Tennis: Stan Wawrinka sets up quarter-final with Roger Federer

Reilly Opelka blasted his way into the third round at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-victoria-azarenka-powers-into-third-round-232782">Wimbledon </a>on Wednesday as the giant 21-year-old American's serve eventually proved too hot to handle for triple grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka in a high-octane five set duel.

Opelka came through 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 8-6 against the 22nd seeded Swiss for the biggest win of his career and there will be plenty of bigger names in the draw now scrabbling anxiously for a tape of this match.

"It's a huge win. More so the situation of the match being down two sets to one against him," Opelka told reporters.

"He got really comfortable, started hitting some really good returns. I had to adjust a lot. My mind was always thinking, especially after I lost the third set,"&nbsp;Opelka said.

At 6ft 11in (2.10 metres) the former Wimbledon junior champion is the joint-tallest-ever ATP-ranked player (with Ivo Karlovic) and, unsurprisingly, his biggest weapon is his serve. It reached 142mph (228kph) on Wednesday - the fastest of the Championship so far - and, combined with some surprisingly deft court movement, is the perfect Wimbledon weapon.

Wawrinka, who has never gone beyond the quarter-finals at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-serena-williams-form-wimbledon-mixed-doubles-dream-team-232624">Wimbledon </a>despite winning all three of the other slams and previously reaching number three in the world rankings, could not deal with it at all in the first set.

The 34-year-old eventually used all his experience to work things out and start getting it back and then treating the crowd to some of his sublime backhand winners en route to taking the second and third.

But, just as it seemed as if he would go through smoothly, Opelka found another gear to snatch the fourth.

From then on Wawrinka was having to work harder and harder to hold, while rarely threatening to break. The full match statistics showed the American successful with 73 per cent of first serves compared to the 64 per cent of Wawrinka and Opelka lifted that to a remarkable 91 per cent in the fifth set.

Those figures proved the difference eventually as Wawrinka, at full stretch to even reach, let alone return most of them, was eventually worn down.

"I started holding more easily, I'd had to save so many breakpoints before that," Opelka said of the turnaround. "I made some adjustments and was then able to spend more energy trying to break."

Opelka, who will next face 15th seed Milos Raonic, said that he had "always been a pretty good mover - underrated maybe. Some guys don't expect it when they play me for the first time."

In a period of declining fortunes for American men's tennis, the victory was warmly welcomed former world number four and highly respected coach Brad Gilbert. "Wow, what a clutch performance from big fella Opelka in winning 1st career 5 setter over Stanimal," he tweeted.

Wawrinka had few complaints. "Against those big servers you know you're not going to have a lot of chances and you get under pressure a little bit more," he said.

''At the end, he went for it. He went bigger than me, more aggressive, and he deserved to win," said Wawrinka.

Reilly Opelka blasted his way into the third round at Wimbledon on Wednesday as the giant 21-year-old American's serve eventually proved too hot to handle for triple grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka in a high-octane five set duel.

Reilly Opelka blasted his way into the third round at Wimbledon on Wednesday as the giant 21-year-old American's serve eventually proved too hot to handle for triple grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka in a high-octane five set duel. Opelka came through 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 8-6 against the 22nd seeded Swiss for the biggest win of his career and there will be plenty of bigger names in the draw now scrabbling anxiously for a tape of this match. "It's a huge win. More so the situation of the match being down two sets to one against him," Opelka told reporters. "He got really comfortable, started hitting some really good returns. I had to adjust a lot. My mind was always thinking, especially after I lost the third set," Opelka said. At 6ft 11in (2.10 metres) the former Wimbledon junior champion is the joint-tallest-ever ATP-ranked player (with Ivo Karlovic) and, unsurprisingly, his biggest weapon is his serve. It reached 142mph (228kph) on Wednesday - the fastest of the Championship so far - and, combined with some surprisingly deft court movement, is the perfect Wimbledon weapon. Wawrinka, who has never gone beyond the quarter-finals at Wimbledon despite winning all three of the other slams and previously reaching number three in the world rankings, could not deal with it at all in the first set. The 34-year-old eventually used all his experience to work things out and start getting it back and then treating the crowd to some of his sublime backhand winners en route to taking the second and third. But, just as it seemed as if he would go through smoothly, Opelka found another gear to snatch the fourth. From then on Wawrinka was having to work harder and harder to hold, while rarely threatening to break. The full match statistics showed the American successful with 73 per cent of first serves compared to the 64 per cent of Wawrinka and Opelka lifted that to a remarkable 91 per cent in the fifth set. Those figures proved the difference eventually as Wawrinka, at full stretch to even reach, let alone return most of them, was eventually worn down. "I started holding more easily, I'd had to save so many breakpoints before that," Opelka said of the turnaround. "I made some adjustments and was then able to spend more energy trying to break." Opelka, who will next face 15th seed Milos Raonic, said that he had "always been a pretty good mover - underrated maybe. Some guys don't expect it when they play me for the first time." In a period of declining fortunes for American men's tennis, the victory was warmly welcomed former world number four and highly respected coach Brad Gilbert. "Wow, what a clutch performance from big fella Opelka in winning 1st career 5 setter over Stanimal," he tweeted. Wawrinka had few complaints. "Against those big servers you know you're not going to have a lot of chances and you get under pressure a little bit more," he said. ''At the end, he went for it. He went bigger than me, more aggressive, and he deserved to win," said Wawrinka.

Wimbledon: Reilly Opelka blasts past Stan Wawrinka into third round

Stan Wawrinka was barely mentioned in the Wimbledon build-up with all the focus on the men's "big three" and the young guns hoping to shake things up but the Swiss means business.

Outside of eight-time champion Roger Federer, twice winner Rafael Nadal and defending champion Novak Djokovic, Wawrinka is the only other multiple Grand Slam champion in the draw.

With the weapons at his disposal, a beefy serve and a sublime backhand and a big match mentality, Wawrinka should at least part of the conversation when it comes to discussing contenders to make a deep run this fortnight.

The 34-year-old needs a Wimbledon title to complete his career Grand Slam and while, for whatever reason, he has never thrived on the All England Club lawns, he looked razor sharp as he began his 15th successive appearance.

On a sunny Court Two against Belgian qualifier Ruben Bemelmans he belted 26 winners in a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory that took less than an hour and a half.

Admittedly left-hander Bemelmans, ranked 171, was having a decidedly ordinary day with his forehand misfiring completely but it was a powerful statement by Wawrinka nonetheless.

A year ago Wawrinka arrived at Wimbledon ranked outside the top 200 having had knee surgery after the 2017 Championships.

On that occasion he beat Grigor Dimitrov in the opening round but then lost to qualifier Tomas Fabbiano.

Surprisingly for a player of his class Wawrinka has only reached two quarter-finals at Wimbledon, in 2014 when he lost to Roger Federer and in 2015 when beaten by Richard Gasquet.

It is his worst Grand Slam, with his win over Bemelmans improving his career record there to 20-14, compared to 42-14 at Roland Garros, 40-12 at the US&nbsp;Open and 38-13 in Australia.

He has not been into the third round since 2015 and to end that sequence he will have a stern test next against giant American Reilly Opelka.

Stan Wawrinka was barely mentioned in the Wimbledon build-up with all the focus on the men's "big three" and the young guns hoping to shake things up but the Swiss means business.

Stan Wawrinka was barely mentioned in the Wimbledon build-up with all the focus on the men's "big three" and the young guns hoping to shake things up but the Swiss means business. Outside of eight-time champion Roger Federer, twice winner Rafael Nadal and defending champion Novak Djokovic, Wawrinka is the only other multiple Grand Slam champion in the draw. With the weapons at his disposal, a beefy serve and a sublime backhand and a big match mentality, Wawrinka should at least part of the conversation when it comes to discussing contenders to make a deep run this fortnight. The 34-year-old needs a Wimbledon title to complete his career Grand Slam and while, for whatever reason, he has never thrived on the All England Club lawns, he looked razor sharp as he began his 15th successive appearance. On a sunny Court Two against Belgian qualifier Ruben Bemelmans he belted 26 winners in a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory that took less than an hour and a half. Admittedly left-hander Bemelmans, ranked 171, was having a decidedly ordinary day with his forehand misfiring completely but it was a powerful statement by Wawrinka nonetheless. A year ago Wawrinka arrived at Wimbledon ranked outside the top 200 having had knee surgery after the 2017 Championships. On that occasion he beat Grigor Dimitrov in the opening round but then lost to qualifier Tomas Fabbiano. Surprisingly for a player of his class Wawrinka has only reached two quarter-finals at Wimbledon, in 2014 when he lost to Roger Federer and in 2015 when beaten by Richard Gasquet. It is his worst Grand Slam, with his win over Bemelmans improving his career record there to 20-14, compared to 42-14 at Roland Garros, 40-12 at the US Open and 38-13 in Australia. He has not been into the third round since 2015 and to end that sequence he will have a stern test next against giant American Reilly Opelka.

Wimbledon: Stan Wawrinka means business as he opens with easy victory

Sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas could not hide the raw emotion of defeat after losing a five-set thriller against Stan Wawrinka in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=french+open">French Open</a> fourth round on Sunday.

Tsitsipas, 20, had looked the man most likely to threaten the establishment this week with dazzling tennis, but Wawrinka proved they will not make way easily as he gritted out a 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 8-6 to set up a clash with Roger Federer.

After a five-hour battle between two of the best one-handed backhands in the business it seemed Tsitsipas, 14 years younger than Wawrinka, was on the brink of victory when he had three break points at 5-5 in the deciding set.

But the Greek could not convert any of them and wavered at 6-7, allowing Wawrinka two match points, the second of which he took with a backhand slice that Tsitsipas thought was going wide but which clipped a line, the umpire confirming his fate.

Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, warmly embraced his opponent but the hurt was plain for all to see as Tsitsipas headed off.

"I feel exhausted. I don't know. Never experienced something like this in my life," Tsitsipas told reporters.

"I feel very disappointed at the end. Long time since I cried after a match, so emotionally wasn't easy to handle. I will try to learn from it as much as I can.

"It's the worst feeling ever. Especially when you lose.

You don't want to be in my place."

Tsitsipas converted only five of 27 break points -- a statistic that ultimately cost him his chance.

"I was so close, so close. So many break points. So many.

Didn't play. I was expecting someone else to play it for me. I didn't play," he said.

Asked what he would learn, he said: "I have no idea. My mind is so empty right now. I cannot even think."

Tsitsipas had arrived in Paris as one of the form players on clay after reaching the final in Madrid and semis in Rome.

Sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas could not hide the raw emotion of defeat after losing a five-set thriller against Stan Wawrinka in the French Open fourth round on Sunday.

Sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas could not hide the raw emotion of defeat after losing a five-set thriller against Stan Wawrinka in the French Open fourth round on Sunday. Tsitsipas, 20, had looked the man most likely to threaten the establishment this week with dazzling tennis, but Wawrinka proved they will not make way easily as he gritted out a 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 8-6 to set up a clash with Roger Federer. After a five-hour battle between two of the best one-handed backhands in the business it seemed Tsitsipas, 14 years younger than Wawrinka, was on the brink of victory when he had three break points at 5-5 in the deciding set. But the Greek could not convert any of them and wavered at 6-7, allowing Wawrinka two match points, the second of which he took with a backhand slice that Tsitsipas thought was going wide but which clipped a line, the umpire confirming his fate. Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, warmly embraced his opponent but the hurt was plain for all to see as Tsitsipas headed off. "I feel exhausted. I don't know. Never experienced something like this in my life," Tsitsipas told reporters. "I feel very disappointed at the end. Long time since I cried after a match, so emotionally wasn't easy to handle. I will try to learn from it as much as I can. "It's the worst feeling ever. Especially when you lose. You don't want to be in my place." Tsitsipas converted only five of 27 break points -- a statistic that ultimately cost him his chance. "I was so close, so close. So many break points. So many. Didn't play. I was expecting someone else to play it for me. I didn't play," he said. Asked what he would learn, he said: "I have no idea. My mind is so empty right now. I cannot even think." Tsitsipas had arrived in Paris as one of the form players on clay after reaching the final in Madrid and semis in Rome.

French Open: Stefanos Tsitsipas says worst feeling ever after loss to Stan Wawrinka

Rafael Nadal cruised past Stan Wawrinka 6-1, 6-2 in the last <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-reaches-madrid-open-semi-finals-after-maran-cilics-food-poisoning-withdrawal-217505">Madrid Open</a> quarter-final Friday to set up a clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas, who edged Alexander Zverev 7-5 3-6 6-2, in the other semi.

Second-seeded Spaniard Nadal made light work of Wawrinka in the night session, looking back to his best after a disappointing semi-final exit at the Barcelona Open and suffering a virus earlier this week.

A five-time winner in Madrid, Nadal reached the semi-finals for the 11th time when Wawrinka's attempted backhand return hit the net.

"It was one of my best games for some time," said Nadal.

In earlier action, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dominic-thiem-ousts-roger-federer-in-madrid-open-thriller-to-reach-semis-217625">Dominic Thiem edged past Roger Federer</a> 3-6, 7-6(11), 6-4 to end the Swiss veteran's clay season comeback and reach the Madrid Open semi-finals

The fifth-seeded Austrian, who saved two match points, will face Novak Djokovic on Saturday after the world number one's opponent Marin Cilic withdrew with food poisoning.

Federer, playing his first clay tournament for three years, raced into a 4-1 lead inside 15 minutes as he broke the 220 kilometres-per-hour barrier with some powerful serving.

He showed the same drive that saw him bagel Gael Monfils in the first set on Thursday.

The Frenchman had then battled back to force a thrilling tiebreak finale in the third set, and Thiem upped his game significantly too, taking the second set to the wire.

Federer survived three game points to hold serve for 3-3 before Thiem eventually triumphed 13-11 in a gripping tiebreak, saving two match points to force a decider.

Thiem broke to go 2-1 in the third.

Federer broke back to pull level at 4-4 but the Austrian broke again in the next game, sealing it with a sensational forehand over his opponent before serving out the match.

Tsitsipas played a steady game to beat last year's winner Zverev, who made 14 unforced errors in the opening set.

Zverev roared back in the second but double-faulted twice serving at 1-2 down in the decisive third, with Tsitsipas breaking and striding to victory in the battle between two of the sport's young talents.

Rafael Nadal cruised past Stan Wawrinka 6-1, 6-2 in the last Madrid Open quarter-final Friday to set up a clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas, who edged Alexander Zverev 7-5 3-6 6-2, in the other semi.

Rafael Nadal cruised past Stan Wawrinka 6-1, 6-2 in the last Madrid Open quarter-final Friday to set up a clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas, who edged Alexander Zverev 7-5 3-6 6-2, in the other semi. Second-seeded Spaniard Nadal made light work of Wawrinka in the night session, looking back to his best after a disappointing semi-final exit at the Barcelona Open and suffering a virus earlier this week. A five-time winner in Madrid, Nadal reached the semi-finals for the 11th time when Wawrinka's attempted backhand return hit the net. "It was one of my best games for some time," said Nadal. In earlier action, Dominic Thiem edged past Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6(11), 6-4 to end the Swiss veteran's clay season comeback and reach the Madrid Open semi-finals The fifth-seeded Austrian, who saved two match points, will face Novak Djokovic on Saturday after the world number one's opponent Marin Cilic withdrew with food poisoning. Federer, playing his first clay tournament for three years, raced into a 4-1 lead inside 15 minutes as he broke the 220 kilometres-per-hour barrier with some powerful serving. He showed the same drive that saw him bagel Gael Monfils in the first set on Thursday. The Frenchman had then battled back to force a thrilling tiebreak finale in the third set, and Thiem upped his game significantly too, taking the second set to the wire. Federer survived three game points to hold serve for 3-3 before Thiem eventually triumphed 13-11 in a gripping tiebreak, saving two match points to force a decider. Thiem broke to go 2-1 in the third. Federer broke back to pull level at 4-4 but the Austrian broke again in the next game, sealing it with a sensational forehand over his opponent before serving out the match. Tsitsipas played a steady game to beat last year's winner Zverev, who made 14 unforced errors in the opening set. Zverev roared back in the second but double-faulted twice serving at 1-2 down in the decisive third, with Tsitsipas breaking and striding to victory in the battle between two of the sport's young talents.

Rafael Nadal breezes past Stan Wawrinka and into Madrid Open semi-finals

A wildcard has been reserved for former world number one <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-returns-to-court-after-hip-surgery-207515&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9sbH6kYniAhU18HMBHaf_B8oQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3aj44rDVOVOTLKUB3YsOEQ">Andy Murray</a> to play at the Queen's Club Championships in June but the Scottish player has been given time to confirm his participation, organisers said on Tuesday.

Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, has not played competitively since his first round exit at the Australian Open in January.

He has since <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/andy-murray-to-retire-this-year-due-to-pain-from-surgically-repaired-hip-189553&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9sbH6kYniAhU18HMBHaf_B8oQFjAFegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0txf8tWQHE8nTScvgcZDHK">undergone hip resurfacing surgery</a>.

The 31-year-old said last month he was pain-free but under no pressure to return and that he would attempt to make a comeback only if his body allowed it.

"A wildcard is being held for five-time champion Andy Murray, who will confirm closer to the time if he's fit enough to compete," organisers said in a statement.

The tournament's main draw begins on June 17.

The Queen's Club Championships, where Murray last won the title in 2016, has traditionally been a warm-up tournament for Wimbledon.

Organisers said in February that defending champion Marin Cilic would take part this year while Kevin Anderson, Juan Martin del Potro, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Stan Wawrinka have also confirmed their participation. 
&nbsp;

A wildcard has been reserved for former world number one Andy Murray to play at the Queen's Club Championships in June but the Scottish player has been given time to confirm his participation, organisers said on Tuesday.

A wildcard has been reserved for former world number one Andy Murray to play at the Queen's Club Championships in June but the Scottish player has been given time to confirm his participation, organisers said on Tuesday. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, has not played competitively since his first round exit at the Australian Open in January. He has since undergone hip resurfacing surgery. The 31-year-old said last month he was pain-free but under no pressure to return and that he would attempt to make a comeback only if his body allowed it. "A wildcard is being held for five-time champion Andy Murray, who will confirm closer to the time if he's fit enough to compete," organisers said in a statement. The tournament's main draw begins on June 17. The Queen's Club Championships, where Murray last won the title in 2016, has traditionally been a warm-up tournament for Wimbledon. Organisers said in February that defending champion Marin Cilic would take part this year while Kevin Anderson, Juan Martin del Potro, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Stan Wawrinka have also confirmed their participation.

Andy Murray given wildcard for Queen's Club Championships

A focused Nick Kyrgios overcame a hand injury, leg cramps and a strong performance from Stan Wawrinka to prevail 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-4 and advance to the semi-finals of the Acapulco International on Thursday.&nbsp;

The mercurial Australian, who defeated Rafa Nadal the night before in a match where the Spaniard later criticized Kyrgios' on-court demeanor, outplayed Wawrinka in the match's biggest moments despite playing in front of spectators who vocally backed the Swiss.

"I actually play better when the crowd is against me and giving me a bit of stink," the 23-year-old said.

"I love it. It gets me going."

The night did not begin well for the hard-hitting Kyrgios, who slipped while thumping a backhand in the first game, opening up a cut on his right hand that required medical attention.

Leg cramps followed in the deciding set but nothing could derail Kyrgios, who won his final service game at love to keep his hopes of a maiden championship at the tournament alive.

"In the first game I just tripped over. I'm not the smoothest mover on tour and I tripped over and grazed my hand," he said.

"And the cramping was tough toward the end."

Next up for Kyrgios is big-serving American John Isner, who fired 38 aces to dispatch Australian John Millman 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 7-6(4) in a marathon match to end the day.

Earlier in the hot and humid conditions Briton Cameron Norrie cruised past American Mackenzie McDonald 6-3 6-2 to book his ticket to the semis.

Norrie will face second-seeded German Alexander Zverev, who did not face a break point en route to a 6-4 6-4 win over Australian Alex de Minaur.

A focused Nick Kyrgios overcame a hand injury, leg cramps and a strong performance from Stan Wawrinka to prevail 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-4 and advance to the semi-finals of the Acapulco International on Thursday.

A focused Nick Kyrgios overcame a hand injury, leg cramps and a strong performance from Stan Wawrinka to prevail 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-4 and advance to the semi-finals of the Acapulco International on Thursday. The mercurial Australian, who defeated Rafa Nadal the night before in a match where the Spaniard later criticized Kyrgios' on-court demeanor, outplayed Wawrinka in the match's biggest moments despite playing in front of spectators who vocally backed the Swiss. "I actually play better when the crowd is against me and giving me a bit of stink," the 23-year-old said. "I love it. It gets me going." The night did not begin well for the hard-hitting Kyrgios, who slipped while thumping a backhand in the first game, opening up a cut on his right hand that required medical attention. Leg cramps followed in the deciding set but nothing could derail Kyrgios, who won his final service game at love to keep his hopes of a maiden championship at the tournament alive. "In the first game I just tripped over. I'm not the smoothest mover on tour and I tripped over and grazed my hand," he said. "And the cramping was tough toward the end." Next up for Kyrgios is big-serving American John Isner, who fired 38 aces to dispatch Australian John Millman 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 7-6(4) in a marathon match to end the day. Earlier in the hot and humid conditions Briton Cameron Norrie cruised past American Mackenzie McDonald 6-3 6-2 to book his ticket to the semis. Norrie will face second-seeded German Alexander Zverev, who did not face a break point en route to a 6-4 6-4 win over Australian Alex de Minaur.

Nick Kyrgios braves cut and cramps to down Stan Wawrinka

France's Gael Monfils overcame a determined Stan Wawrinka to win the Rotterdam Open 6-3 1-6 6-2 on Saturday, lifting his first title since January 2018.

In the first Rotterdam final between two unseeded players since 2008, Monfils raced past his Swiss opponent to convert two break points on his way to sealing the opening set in 36 minutes.

Three-times Grand Slam champion Wawrinka, who was playing his first final since undergoing two knee surgeries in 2017, fought back to clinch the second set but struggled to keep up with Monfils in longer rallies during the decider.

Despite winning his opening game to love, Wawrinka was broken by Monfils in the third game, while the Frenchman also maintained his service rhythm to dictate play in the final set.

Monfils, the 2016 Rotterdam runner-up, converted another breakpoint to go 5-2 ahead before he served out the match for his eighth career ATP title.

World number 33 Monfils, who reached the Sofia Open semi-finals last week, credited his practice partner Wawrinka for his resurgence, having lost just twice in 11 matches this season.

"You know this win is part of him," said Monfils, who last won an ATP title at the 2018 Qatar Open.

"We've been practising a lot, we've been talking a lot.

"... Sorry I beat you in the final. I hope we can have many more battles."

France's Gael Monfils overcame a determined Stan Wawrinka to win the Rotterdam Open 6-3 1-6 6-2 on Saturday, lifting his first title since January 2018. In the first Rotterdam final between two unseeded players since 2008, Monfils raced past his Swiss opponent to convert two break points on his way to sealing the opening set in 36 minutes.

France's Gael Monfils overcame a determined Stan Wawrinka to win the Rotterdam Open 6-3 1-6 6-2 on Saturday, lifting his first title since January 2018. In the first Rotterdam final between two unseeded players since 2008, Monfils raced past his Swiss opponent to convert two break points on his way to sealing the opening set in 36 minutes. Three-times Grand Slam champion Wawrinka, who was playing his first final since undergoing two knee surgeries in 2017, fought back to clinch the second set but struggled to keep up with Monfils in longer rallies during the decider. Despite winning his opening game to love, Wawrinka was broken by Monfils in the third game, while the Frenchman also maintained his service rhythm to dictate play in the final set. Monfils, the 2016 Rotterdam runner-up, converted another breakpoint to go 5-2 ahead before he served out the match for his eighth career ATP title. World number 33 Monfils, who reached the Sofia Open semi-finals last week, credited his practice partner Wawrinka for his resurgence, having lost just twice in 11 matches this season. "You know this win is part of him," said Monfils, who last won an ATP title at the 2018 Qatar Open. "We've been practising a lot, we've been talking a lot. "... Sorry I beat you in the final. I hope we can have many more battles."

France's Monfils overcomes Stan Wawrinka to lift Rotterdam title

Three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka battled past Kei Nishikori 6-2 4-6 6-4 at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam on Saturday to set up a final against Frenchman Gael Monfils.

Swiss Wawrinka, who reached his first final since undergoing two knee surgeries in 2017, fired 35 winners, including eight aces to triumph in just over two hours.

In an intense final set, both players held serve with relative ease until the 10th game when Wawrinka fired two scorching forehands to convert a break point and book a place in Sunday's final.

A week after falling to Daniil Medvedev in the Sofia Open semi-finals, Monfils's relentless court coverage proved the difference as he defeated the Russian 4-6 6-3 6-4.

Frenchman Monfils finished with 29 winners to move one step away from a first title since lifting the Qatar Open title in January last year.

Fifth seed Medvedev, who won the Sofia Open last week, struggled to land his forehands in the final set as he conceded a decisive break of serve in the ninth game of the final set.

"Tactically I think I played good and physically I was tough, I was happy that I could handle it physically," said Monfils.

"My game plan was definitely to make him play a lot of balls and at the end I think it paid off. I was very happy because I kept the aggressive spirit at the end and I think that is why I won today."

Three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka battled past Kei Nishikori 6-2 4-6 6-4 at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam on Saturday to set up a final against Frenchman Gael Monfils.

Three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka battled past Kei Nishikori 6-2 4-6 6-4 at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam on Saturday to set up a final against Frenchman Gael Monfils. Swiss Wawrinka, who reached his first final since undergoing two knee surgeries in 2017, fired 35 winners, including eight aces to triumph in just over two hours. In an intense final set, both players held serve with relative ease until the 10th game when Wawrinka fired two scorching forehands to convert a break point and book a place in Sunday's final. A week after falling to Daniil Medvedev in the Sofia Open semi-finals, Monfils's relentless court coverage proved the difference as he defeated the Russian 4-6 6-3 6-4. Frenchman Monfils finished with 29 winners to move one step away from a first title since lifting the Qatar Open title in January last year. Fifth seed Medvedev, who won the Sofia Open last week, struggled to land his forehands in the final set as he conceded a decisive break of serve in the ninth game of the final set. "Tactically I think I played good and physically I was tough, I was happy that I could handle it physically," said Monfils. "My game plan was definitely to make him play a lot of balls and at the end I think it paid off. I was very happy because I kept the aggressive spirit at the end and I think that is why I won today."

Swiss Wawrinka outlasts Nishikori in Rotterdam, faces Monfils in final

Stan Wawrinka lost to 16th seed Milos Raonic in the second round of Australian Open on Thursday at Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;

The 2014 champion Wawrinka, unseeded for the first time since his debut in 2006 after being plagued by injury, fell to the Canadian after four sets decided on tiebreaks 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (13/11), 7-6 (7/5).&nbsp;

Raonic, who got to the Australian Open semi-finals in 2016 before losing to Andy Murray, will face South Korea's Hyung Cheon or Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France in the third round.&nbsp;

The 28-year-old Raonic battled for&nbsp;2️4️1️ minutes, the longest match has ever played and won in his career,&nbsp;in the tightest of second-round battles.&nbsp;

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"It's sort of the heat of the battle, the adrenaline takes over." 
 
And what a battle that was! <a href="https://twitter.com/milosraonic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@milosraonic</a> improves his H2H vs. Wawrinka to 3-4. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/PmdHonsslF">pic.twitter.com/PmdHonsslF</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1085787144256409601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The reserved Canadian raised his fists in triumph after his Swiss opponent misfired on his forehand on match point.&nbsp;

Stan Wawrinka lost to 16th seed Milos Raonic in the second round of Australian Open on Thursday at Rod Laver Arena. The 2014 champion Wawrinka, unseeded for the first time since his debut in 2006 after being plagued by injury, fell to the Canadian after four sets decided on tiebreaks 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (13/11), 7-6 (7/5).

Stan Wawrinka lost to 16th seed Milos Raonic in the second round of Australian Open on Thursday at Rod Laver Arena. The 2014 champion Wawrinka, unseeded for the first time since his debut in 2006 after being plagued by injury, fell to the Canadian after four sets decided on tiebreaks 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (13/11), 7-6 (7/5). Raonic, who got to the Australian Open semi-finals in 2016 before losing to Andy Murray, will face South Korea's Hyung Cheon or Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France in the third round. The 28-year-old Raonic battled for 2️4️1️ minutes, the longest match has ever played and won in his career, in the tightest of second-round battles. "It's sort of the heat of the battle, the adrenaline takes over." And what a battle that was! @milosraonic improves his H2H vs. Wawrinka to 3-4. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/PmdHonsslF — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2019 × The reserved Canadian raised his fists in triumph after his Swiss opponent misfired on his forehand on match point.

Australian Open: Milos Raonic edges past Stan Wawrinka in four-set thriller

Croatian Borna Coric recovered from a set down to beat three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the opening round of the Shanghai Masters on Monday (October 8).

Coric, who had failed to win a match in his last two appearances in Beijing and Shenzhen, saved two break points at 3-3 in the second set and clinched the first four games of the decider to record his 32nd match win of the season.

It was Coric's first victory in four meetings against former world number three Wawrinka, who has struggled on his return from knee surgery this season and entered as a wildcard.

Coric, seeded 13th, will next face American qualifier Bradley Klahn, who claimed a hard-fought 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Nick&nbsp;Kyrgios.

The 23-year-old Australian&nbsp;Kyrgios&nbsp;lost five straight games from 4-4 in the second set to hand the momentum to Klahn.

World number 104 Klahn. who fired down 18 aces, recorded just his fourth tour-level win of the season.

Canadian Milos Raonic suffered an early exit as the 2016 Wimbledon finalist lost to American qualifier Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

Croatian Borna Coric recovered from a set down to beat three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the opening round of the Shanghai Masters on Monday (October 8).

Croatian Borna Coric recovered from a set down to beat three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the opening round of the Shanghai Masters on Monday (October 8). Coric, who had failed to win a match in his last two appearances in Beijing and Shenzhen, saved two break points at 3-3 in the second set and clinched the first four games of the decider to record his 32nd match win of the season. It was Coric's first victory in four meetings against former world number three Wawrinka, who has struggled on his return from knee surgery this season and entered as a wildcard. Coric, seeded 13th, will next face American qualifier Bradley Klahn, who claimed a hard-fought 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Nick Kyrgios. The 23-year-old Australian Kyrgios lost five straight games from 4-4 in the second set to hand the momentum to Klahn. World number 104 Klahn. who fired down 18 aces, recorded just his fourth tour-level win of the season. Canadian Milos Raonic suffered an early exit as the 2016 Wimbledon finalist lost to American qualifier Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

Coric ousts Wawrinka in Shanghai opener, Klahn stuns Kyrgios

Former Champion Stan Wawrinka was knocked out of the French Open in the first round as he lost 6-2 3-6 4-6 7-6(5) 6-3 to Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez on Monday.

The Swiss, who lifted the Musketeers Cup in 2015, led two sets to one but faded away after losing the fourth-set tie-break.

Seeded 23rd in Paris, Wawrinka has been finding it hard&nbspto make&nbspto the top again after undergoing two knee surgeries last year.&nbsp

Runner-up to Nadal in 2017, Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match.

The Swiss, who lifted the Musketeers Cup in 2015, led two sets to one but faded away after losing the fourth-set tie-break.

Former Champion Stan Wawrinka was knocked out of the French Open in the first round as he lost 6-2 3-6 4-6 7-6(5) 6-3 to Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez on Monday. The Swiss, who lifted the Musketeers Cup in 2015, led two sets to one but faded away after losing the fourth-set tie-break. Seeded 23rd in Paris, Wawrinka has been finding it hard&nbspto make&nbspto the top again after undergoing two knee surgeries last year. Runner-up to Nadal in 2017, Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match.

French Open: Former champion Stan Wawrinka knocked out in round one

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