Five matches to watch at the French Open on Monday are:

Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Simone Bolelli (ITA)

Nadal starts his bid for an 11th French Open title against grizzled Italian veteran Simone Bolelli who got into the main draw as a lucky loser when Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew with a wrist injury. Nadal has a record 79 wins against just two defeats in his Roland Garros career and arrives in Paris with his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and an eighth triumph in Rome.

Bolelli, 32, is ranked at 130 and has never got past the third round at Roland Garros. In five meetings with Nadal, he has won just one set.

Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x20)

A run to the semi-finals in Rome gave 2016 Roland Garros champion Djokovic hope that he is finally over the elbow injury which has seen his form dip and ranking slip to its lowest in over a decade.

Dutra Silva, 34 and ranked at 132 in the world, has never progressed beyond the second round in Paris.

But he has made two quarter-finals this year in Sao Paulo and in Istanbul which suggests a degree of clay-court proficiency.

Djokovic won their only meeting in the last 64 at the US Open in 2012, dropping just five games.&nbsp

Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) v Richel Hogenkamp (NED)

One of the most eagerly-awaited returns of recent years will be Serena Williams playing her first major since the 2017 Australian Open. The other is that of Sharapova who was refused a wildcard entry in 2017 by organisers uncomfortable with the 15-month doping ban she had just completed.

Sharapova, the Roland Garros champion in 2012 and 2014, has also been a two-time semi-finalist in Paris.

A run to the semi-finals on clay in Rome and a Madrid quarter-final spot this spring suggests the Russian is fired up.

Hogenkamp, 26 and the world 134, made the second round in Paris last year but lost her only previous meeting with Sharapova in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2015.

Hogenkamp hasn't won a single match on tour this year, a miserable record which includes two losses on clay.

Danielle Collins (USA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2)

Former world number one Wozniacki finally broke through to her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year in her 43rd major. Twice a quarter-finalist in Paris, in 2010 and 2017, the 27-year-old has endured a patchy European spring on clay with quarter-final runs at Istanbul and Rome.

Collins, a 24-year-old from Florida, is ranked 44 in the world after a shock run to the semi-finals at Miami in March.

However, she has yet to win a Grand Slam match, losing twice at the US Open and never having played at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon.

Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23)

Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, and runner-up to Nadal in 2017, arrives in Paris under an injury cloud having been laid low by a knee injury which had required surgery last year. Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match.

Garcia-Lopez, 34 years old and ranked 71, made the fourth round in 2014.

Wawrinka holds a 7-3 head-to-head record in a rivalry stretching &nbspback to 2005.

Here is a list of five matches to watch at the French Open

Five matches to watch at the French Open on Monday are: Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Simone Bolelli (ITA) Nadal starts his bid for an 11th French Open title against grizzled Italian veteran Simone Bolelli who got into the main draw as a lucky loser when Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew with a wrist injury. Nadal has a record 79 wins against just two defeats in his Roland Garros career and arrives in Paris with his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and an eighth triumph in Rome. Bolelli, 32, is ranked at 130 and has never got past the third round at Roland Garros. In five meetings with Nadal, he has won just one set. Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x20) A run to the semi-finals in Rome gave 2016 Roland Garros champion Djokovic hope that he is finally over the elbow injury which has seen his form dip and ranking slip to its lowest in over a decade. Dutra Silva, 34 and ranked at 132 in the world, has never progressed beyond the second round in Paris. But he has made two quarter-finals this year in Sao Paulo and in Istanbul which suggests a degree of clay-court proficiency. Djokovic won their only meeting in the last 64 at the US Open in 2012, dropping just five games. Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) v Richel Hogenkamp (NED) One of the most eagerly-awaited returns of recent years will be Serena Williams playing her first major since the 2017 Australian Open. The other is that of Sharapova who was refused a wildcard entry in 2017 by organisers uncomfortable with the 15-month doping ban she had just completed. Sharapova, the Roland Garros champion in 2012 and 2014, has also been a two-time semi-finalist in Paris. A run to the semi-finals on clay in Rome and a Madrid quarter-final spot this spring suggests the Russian is fired up. Hogenkamp, 26 and the world 134, made the second round in Paris last year but lost her only previous meeting with Sharapova in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2015. Hogenkamp hasn't won a single match on tour this year, a miserable record which includes two losses on clay. Danielle Collins (USA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) Former world number one Wozniacki finally broke through to her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year in her 43rd major. Twice a quarter-finalist in Paris, in 2010 and 2017, the 27-year-old has endured a patchy European spring on clay with quarter-final runs at Istanbul and Rome. Collins, a 24-year-old from Florida, is ranked 44 in the world after a shock run to the semi-finals at Miami in March. However, she has yet to win a Grand Slam match, losing twice at the US Open and never having played at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23) Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, and runner-up to Nadal in 2017, arrives in Paris under an injury cloud having been laid low by a knee injury which had required surgery last year. Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match. Garcia-Lopez, 34 years old and ranked 71, made the fourth round in 2014. Wawrinka holds a 7-3 head-to-head record in a rivalry stretching &nbspback to 2005.

French Open: Five important matches to watch on Monday

Struggling Swiss former winner Stan Wawrinka&#39;s Australian Open campaign is over after a convincing second round defeat by American Tennys Sandgren on Thursday.

The 97th-ranked Sandgren downed ninth seeded Wawrinka 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 and will next play Germany&#39;s Maximilian Marterer.

It has been tough so far this year for Wawrinka, who was playing in his first tournament since Wimbledon six months ago following left knee surgery.

&quot;Today was extremely tough to feel that way on the court, to lose that way, even if he was playing well,&quot; Wawrinka said.

&quot;When you have won three Grand Slams, you don&#39;t feel great on the court like today. But I need to be still positive. I think the last 12 days was more than what I could have dreamed for coming here.&quot;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-federer-subdues-hard-hitting-struff-30000" target="_blank">Federer struts his stuff, then knuckles down to beat Germany&#39;s Struff</a>

&quot;I really came without thinking I will be able to play the first match. That&#39;s a big step for me.&quot;

&quot;I only had surgery five months and three days ago and to be that far already, it&#39;s more than what we could have expected with my team.&quot;

He was never in the contest and had his serve broken five times and made only 21 winners and 35 unforced errors.

The three-time Grand Slam winner, who defeated Rafael Nadal to win the 2014 Australian Open, has slipped to nine in the world rankings and faces a battle to climb higher after his early round exit.

He made the semi-finals at last year&#39;s Australian Open where he lost to eventual champion Roger Federer in five sets.

Wawrinka had a troubled lead-in to the year&#39;s opening Grand Slam, pulling out of an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi on his way to Australia.

He had not played a competitive match prior to his first round Open win over Lithuania&#39;s Ricardas Berankis, having only decided to take part last weekend.

&quot;My plan is to leave here and go back to practice, especially fitness-wise at the beginning,&quot; Wawrinka said of his future plans.

&quot;I know I have a lot of work to do. I need to be really patient. It&#39;s going to be tough. But I&#39;m ready for it.&quot;

He said his next tournaments would be Marseille and Rotterdam.

Sandgren&#39;s next opponent, world No.94 Marterer, reached the third round with a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-3 over Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco.

&quot;This would definitely be (the biggest match),&quot; Sandgren said of his win over Wawrinka.

&quot;All the categories: biggest win, biggest moment of getting a victory, setting me up for the biggest stage to play third round of a Slam, biggest opportunity. All those good things.&quot;

 
&nbsp;

Wawrinka was playing in his first tournament since Wimbledon six months ago following left knee surgery

Struggling Swiss former winner Stan Wawrinka's Australian Open campaign is over after a convincing second round defeat by American Tennys Sandgren on Thursday. The 97th-ranked Sandgren downed ninth seeded Wawrinka 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 and will next play Germany's Maximilian Marterer. It has been tough so far this year for Wawrinka, who was playing in his first tournament since Wimbledon six months ago following left knee surgery. "Today was extremely tough to feel that way on the court, to lose that way, even if he was playing well," Wawrinka said. "When you have won three Grand Slams, you don't feel great on the court like today. But I need to be still positive. I think the last 12 days was more than what I could have dreamed for coming here." Also read: Federer struts his stuff, then knuckles down to beat Germany's Struff "I really came without thinking I will be able to play the first match. That's a big step for me." "I only had surgery five months and three days ago and to be that far already, it's more than what we could have expected with my team." He was never in the contest and had his serve broken five times and made only 21 winners and 35 unforced errors. The three-time Grand Slam winner, who defeated Rafael Nadal to win the 2014 Australian Open, has slipped to nine in the world rankings and faces a battle to climb higher after his early round exit. He made the semi-finals at last year's Australian Open where he lost to eventual champion Roger Federer in five sets. Wawrinka had a troubled lead-in to the year's opening Grand Slam, pulling out of an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi on his way to Australia. He had not played a competitive match prior to his first round Open win over Lithuania's Ricardas Berankis, having only decided to take part last weekend. "My plan is to leave here and go back to practice, especially fitness-wise at the beginning," Wawrinka said of his future plans. "I know I have a lot of work to do. I need to be really patient. It's going to be tough. But I'm ready for it." He said his next tournaments would be Marseille and Rotterdam. Sandgren's next opponent, world No.94 Marterer, reached the third round with a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-3 over Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco. "This would definitely be (the biggest match)," Sandgren said of his win over Wawrinka. "All the categories: biggest win, biggest moment of getting a victory, setting me up for the biggest stage to play third round of a Slam, biggest opportunity. All those good things."

Australian Open: Struggling Wawrinka struggles some more, loses tennis game to Tennys Sandgren

Stan Wawrinka d&nbsp;Ricardas Berankis,&nbsp;6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2)

Former champion Stan Wawrinka was taken to four sets before winning his first match since knee surgery in July at the Australian Open on Tuesday.

The three-time Grand Slam winner downed Ricardas Berankis 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) on Hisense Arena.

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The man. ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/stanwawrinka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StanWawrinka</a> <a href="https://t.co/RDCXrLzNTi">pic.twitter.com/RDCXrLzNTi</a>
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It was a confidence booster for the 2014 Melbourne Park champion who had a troubled lead-in to the year&#39;s opening Grand Slam, pulling out of an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.

The Swiss star, who defeated Rafael Nadal to win in 2014, has slipped to nine in the world rankings, having not played since his first-round Wimbledon loss to Russian Daniil Medvedev six months ago.

&quot;It was a tough battle and I&#39;m really happy to win my first match here after six months out,&quot; Wawrinka said.

Alexander Zverev d&nbsp;Thomas Fabbiano,&nbsp;6-1, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5

Young German star Alexander Zverev needed a hard-fought three sets to get through his opening encounter at the Australian Open on Tuesday and spoke of his search for greater consistency.

The world No.4 spent 2hr 22min on Rod Laver Arena before claiming a 6-1, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 win over 73rd-ranked Italian Thomas Fabbiano.

Zverev, at the vanguard of the &quot;NextGen&quot; brigade, will face fellow German Peter Gojowczyk in the second round.

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&quot;My dog doesn&#39;t even realise who I am, so, you know, nothing changes at home.&quot; 
 
Sascha Zverev may be Top 5 but that doesn&#39;t matter to much his pup...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/SNRVjTwNeq">pic.twitter.com/SNRVjTwNeq</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953149936404590592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While the 20-year-old won five titles and was one of just four players to beat Roger Federer last year, he has yet to get beyond the fourth round at a Grand Slam.

&quot;I think last year I was pretty consistent, apart from the end of the year,&quot; Zverev said.

&quot;I think my game is getting more consistent with age as well. I think that&#39;s also something that is a factor of maturity.

&quot;So I&#39;m just trying to get better every single day, and that&#39;s what I&#39;m here for,&quot; he added.

Novak Djokovic d&nbsp;Donald Young,&nbsp;6-1, 6-2, 6-4

Six-times champion Novak Djokovic&nbsp;looked the part&nbsp;as&nbsp;he powered to a convincing&nbsp;first-round&nbsp;victory at the Australian Open on Tuesday on his return from an elbow injury.

The 12-times Grand Slam champion, seeded an unfamiliar 14, was too strong for American Donald Young, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-4&nbsp;in 1hr 51min on Margaret Court Arena.

It was an impressive performance, with the Serb breaking Young&#39;s left-handed serve six times, hitting 33 winners and conceding only 27 unforced errors.

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The Nole of old. 
 
Full match report of <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a>&#39;s triumphant return to Grand Slam action ➡️<a href="https://t.co/NM22di4I6x">https://t.co/NM22di4I6x</a> <a href="https://t.co/NryKXCEKqR">pic.twitter.com/NryKXCEKqR</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953166187151552513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;There is no better place to start than here in Australia, I love coming here, I love playing here,&quot; Djokovic told the crowd.

&quot;It&#39;s been a long period without any official matches but I spent as much quality time as I could with my family.

&quot;I wanted to start with the right intensity, which I have, I played perfect tennis in the first couple of sets and Donald came back in the third set.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-sharapova-enters-second-round-after-beating-tatjana-maria-29648" target="_blank">Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-belinda-bencic-on-first-round-win-over-venus-williams-29570" target="_blank">Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The three-time Grand Slam winner downed Ricardas Berankis 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) on Hisense Arena

Stan Wawrinka d Ricardas Berankis, 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) Former champion Stan Wawrinka was taken to four sets before winning his first match since knee surgery in July at the Australian Open on Tuesday. The three-time Grand Slam winner downed Ricardas Berankis 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) on Hisense Arena. The man. ???? #AusOpen @StanWawrinka pic.twitter.com/RDCXrLzNTi — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × It was a confidence booster for the 2014 Melbourne Park champion who had a troubled lead-in to the year's opening Grand Slam, pulling out of an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. The Swiss star, who defeated Rafael Nadal to win in 2014, has slipped to nine in the world rankings, having not played since his first-round Wimbledon loss to Russian Daniil Medvedev six months ago. "It was a tough battle and I'm really happy to win my first match here after six months out," Wawrinka said. Alexander Zverev d Thomas Fabbiano, 6-1, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 Young German star Alexander Zverev needed a hard-fought three sets to get through his opening encounter at the Australian Open on Tuesday and spoke of his search for greater consistency. The world No.4 spent 2hr 22min on Rod Laver Arena before claiming a 6-1, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 win over 73rd-ranked Italian Thomas Fabbiano. Zverev, at the vanguard of the "NextGen" brigade, will face fellow German Peter Gojowczyk in the second round. "My dog doesn't even realise who I am, so, you know, nothing changes at home." Sascha Zverev may be Top 5 but that doesn't matter to much his pup...#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/SNRVjTwNeq — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × While the 20-year-old won five titles and was one of just four players to beat Roger Federer last year, he has yet to get beyond the fourth round at a Grand Slam. "I think last year I was pretty consistent, apart from the end of the year," Zverev said. "I think my game is getting more consistent with age as well. I think that's also something that is a factor of maturity. "So I'm just trying to get better every single day, and that's what I'm here for," he added. Novak Djokovic d Donald Young, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 Six-times champion Novak Djokovic looked the part as he powered to a convincing first-round victory at the Australian Open on Tuesday on his return from an elbow injury. The 12-times Grand Slam champion, seeded an unfamiliar 14, was too strong for American Donald Young, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in 1hr 51min on Margaret Court Arena. It was an impressive performance, with the Serb breaking Young's left-handed serve six times, hitting 33 winners and conceding only 27 unforced errors. The Nole of old. Full match report of @DjokerNole's triumphant return to Grand Slam action ➡️https://t.co/NM22di4I6x pic.twitter.com/NryKXCEKqR — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2018 × "There is no better place to start than here in Australia, I love coming here, I love playing here," Djokovic told the crowd. "It's been a long period without any official matches but I spent as much quality time as I could with my family. "I wanted to start with the right intensity, which I have, I played perfect tennis in the first couple of sets and Donald came back in the third set." Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams

Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round

Stan Wawrinka admitted on Saturday that he was not impressed that long-time coach Magnus Norman decided to end their relationship as he battled back from knee surgery.

Norman called it quits on his four-year spell with the Swiss star in October after a partnership that saw spawned three Grand Slam titles.

He wanted to spend more time with his family, but it didn&#39;t go down well with Wawrinka who has not played competitively since Wimbledon in July and is gearing up for the Australian Open next week.

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&quot;The fact that I&#39;m here and I&#39;m going to play the first one, it&#39;s a big victory. It&#39;s the best that I could have dream when I had the surgery&quot; 
 
- <a href="https://twitter.com/stanwawrinka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stanwawrinka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/wFZgm2aju7">pic.twitter.com/wFZgm2aju7</a>
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&quot;No, for sure, it was already a tough, tough, tough moment for myself, to be out, to get surgery, to know that it will take at least six months to be back at a place where I can play tennis again,&quot; he said in Melbourne.

&quot;It was tough to hear from him that he will stop at that moment.

&quot;When you are in a tough place like that as an athlete, you want the people who know you the best to stay with you, to stick with you. You want your team, your family to be here.&nbsp;

&quot;They will help you the most to get back where you want to be.&quot;

He said Norman was not only his coach, &quot;but he was a friend, even closer than a friend&quot; and he was &quot;more sad than angry at him&quot;.

Wawrinka is still without a full-time coach, although he continues to work with Yannick Fattebert who plans to spend more time on the road with the 32-year-old.

Despite no longer being coached by Norman, Wawrinka said he would always be grateful for the time they spent together.

&quot;That&#39;s what I want to keep from our relationship,&quot; said Wawrinka, who was the world number 17 and had never reached a Grand Slam semi-final before the pair hooked up.

&nbsp;

Norman was a friend, even closer than a friend and he was more sad than angry at him, said Wawrinka

Stan Wawrinka admitted on Saturday that he was not impressed that long-time coach Magnus Norman decided to end their relationship as he battled back from knee surgery. Norman called it quits on his four-year spell with the Swiss star in October after a partnership that saw spawned three Grand Slam titles. He wanted to spend more time with his family, but it didn't go down well with Wawrinka who has not played competitively since Wimbledon in July and is gearing up for the Australian Open next week. "The fact that I'm here and I'm going to play the first one, it's a big victory. It's the best that I could have dream when I had the surgery" - @stanwawrinka #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/wFZgm2aju7 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2018 × "No, for sure, it was already a tough, tough, tough moment for myself, to be out, to get surgery, to know that it will take at least six months to be back at a place where I can play tennis again," he said in Melbourne. "It was tough to hear from him that he will stop at that moment. "When you are in a tough place like that as an athlete, you want the people who know you the best to stay with you, to stick with you. You want your team, your family to be here. "They will help you the most to get back where you want to be." He said Norman was not only his coach, "but he was a friend, even closer than a friend" and he was "more sad than angry at him". Wawrinka is still without a full-time coach, although he continues to work with Yannick Fattebert who plans to spend more time on the road with the 32-year-old. Despite no longer being coached by Norman, Wawrinka said he would always be grateful for the time they spent together. "That's what I want to keep from our relationship," said Wawrinka, who was the world number 17 and had never reached a Grand Slam semi-final before the pair hooked up.

Coach Magnus Norman's exit upsets Stan Wawrinka

Stan Wawrinka broke down Andy Murray&#39;s formidable defences to reach the French Open final on Friday, twice coming from a set down to win a high-octane contest 6-7(6) 6-3 5-7 7-6(3) 6-1.

The Swiss 2015 champion hit a staggering 87 winners as he avenged last year&#39;s semi-final defeat by the world number one to set up a final against nine-times champion Rafa Nadal or Austrian wunderkind Dominic Thiem.

Murray absorbed everything Wawrinka threw at him for most of the four hour and 34 minute match but after winning a tense fourth set Wawrinka steamed ahead in the decider as Murray&#39;s armour was finally pierced.

Third seed Wawrinka, who had not dropped a set on the way to the semis, wavered slightly when dropping serve at 5-0 but broke straight back to claim victory with a flashing backhand.

(Reuters)

The Swiss 2015 champion hit a staggering 87 winners as he avenged last year's semi-final defeat

Stan Wawrinka broke down Andy Murray's formidable defences to reach the French Open final on Friday, twice coming from a set down to win a high-octane contest 6-7(6) 6-3 5-7 7-6(3) 6-1. The Swiss 2015 champion hit a staggering 87 winners as he avenged last year's semi-final defeat by the world number one to set up a final against nine-times champion Rafa Nadal or Austrian wunderkind Dominic Thiem. Murray absorbed everything Wawrinka threw at him for most of the four hour and 34 minute match but after winning a tense fourth set Wawrinka steamed ahead in the decider as Murray's armour was finally pierced. Third seed Wawrinka, who had not dropped a set on the way to the semis, wavered slightly when dropping serve at 5-0 but broke straight back to claim victory with a flashing backhand. (Reuters)

French Open: Wawrinka beats out Murray to reach the finals

A revived Roger Federer beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5 in the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday (March 19th) to earn a record-tying fifth Indian Wells title and distinction as the tournament&#39;s oldest winner.

The win by the 35-year-old Swiss master, who made a stunning return from a six-month layoff by winning the Australian Open in January, capped an impressive run in the California desert in which he did not lose a set the entire way.

The rematch of the Australian Open semi-final saw the close friends hold serve until the 10th game of the opening set when Federer, ahead 5-4, outlasted Wawrinka in a thrilling 21-shot rally for the service break.

Wawrinka, who was making his first appearance in an Indian Wells final, broke right back and held serve to move ahead 2-0 in the ensuing set but Federer never wavered.

Federer now joins Novak Djokovic a five-time winner at the event and becomes the oldest champion in the tournament&#39;s history, surpassing Jimmy Connors who was 31 when he triumphed in 1984.

(Reuters)

The win by the 35-year-old Swiss master capped an impressive run in the California desert in which he did not lose a set the entire way

A revived Roger Federer beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5 in the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday (March 19th) to earn a record-tying fifth Indian Wells title and distinction as the tournament's oldest winner. The win by the 35-year-old Swiss master, who made a stunning return from a six-month layoff by winning the Australian Open in January, capped an impressive run in the California desert in which he did not lose a set the entire way. The rematch of the Australian Open semi-final saw the close friends hold serve until the 10th game of the opening set when Federer, ahead 5-4, outlasted Wawrinka in a thrilling 21-shot rally for the service break. Wawrinka, who was making his first appearance in an Indian Wells final, broke right back and held serve to move ahead 2-0 in the ensuing set but Federer never wavered. Federer now joins Novak Djokovic a five-time winner at the event and becomes the oldest champion in the tournament's history, surpassing Jimmy Connors who was 31 when he triumphed in 1984. (Reuters)

Roger Federer defeats Stan Wawrinka for historic Indian Wells title

Andy Murray swept into the semi-finals of the ATP Tour Finals with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Stan Wawrinka on Friday as the world number one remained on course for a final showdown against Novak Djokovic.

Murray brushed aside Wawrinka in 86 minutes at London&#39;s O2 Arena to ensure he finished top of his group and avoided a last four clash with Djokovic.

Instead, the 29-year-old will face Canada&#39;s Milos Raonic in Saturday&#39;s semi-finals.

Wawrinka&#39;s defeat means Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori qualifies as runner-up to Murray and he takes on defending champion Djokovic in the other semi-final.

Murray ended Djokovic&#39;s 122-week reign at the top of the rankings two weeks ago, but to guarantee finishing 2016 in pole position, he must win the Tour Finals for the first time.

He looks in the mood to do just that on the evidence of a ruthless performance against US Open champion Wawrinka, which took his winning streak to 22 matches and equalled his career best run earlier this year.

&quot;The first set was tight. There weren&#39;t many chances. I managed to get the break late in the set,&quot; Murray said.

&quot;In the second set I&#39;d already qualified for the semis so maybe it was easier for me to play more free than him. Stan is one of the best players in the world. When he&#39;s at his best he&#39;s unplayable, but I played a solid match. I&#39;m happy to get to the semis.&quot;

This has been an incredible year for Murray, who has won Wimbledon for the second time, claimed a second Olympic gold medal and become a father for the first time.

To finish it on another high, Murray must repeat this year&#39;s Wimbledon and Queen&#39;s final triumphs against the big serving Raonic.

That would set up a possible winner-takes-all meeting with his old rival Djokovic to determine who secures the Tour Finals title and the world number one ranking.

(AFP)

Murray will take on defending champion Djokovic in the finals if he ensures a win against Canada's Raonic in the semi-finals

Andy Murray swept into the semi-finals of the ATP Tour Finals with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Stan Wawrinka on Friday as the world number one remained on course for a final showdown against Novak Djokovic. Murray brushed aside Wawrinka in 86 minutes at London's O2 Arena to ensure he finished top of his group and avoided a last four clash with Djokovic. Instead, the 29-year-old will face Canada's Milos Raonic in Saturday's semi-finals. Wawrinka's defeat means Japan's Kei Nishikori qualifies as runner-up to Murray and he takes on defending champion Djokovic in the other semi-final. Murray ended Djokovic's 122-week reign at the top of the rankings two weeks ago, but to guarantee finishing 2016 in pole position, he must win the Tour Finals for the first time. He looks in the mood to do just that on the evidence of a ruthless performance against US Open champion Wawrinka, which took his winning streak to 22 matches and equalled his career best run earlier this year. "The first set was tight. There weren't many chances. I managed to get the break late in the set," Murray said. "In the second set I'd already qualified for the semis so maybe it was easier for me to play more free than him. Stan is one of the best players in the world. When he's at his best he's unplayable, but I played a solid match. I'm happy to get to the semis." This has been an incredible year for Murray, who has won Wimbledon for the second time, claimed a second Olympic gold medal and become a father for the first time. To finish it on another high, Murray must repeat this year's Wimbledon and Queen's final triumphs against the big serving Raonic. That would set up a possible winner-takes-all meeting with his old rival Djokovic to determine who secures the Tour Finals title and the world number one ranking. (AFP)

Tennis: Murray sweeps into semi-finals of ATP Tour Finals

Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori dispatched error-strewn Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3 in a disappointingly one-sided clash at the ATP World Tour Finals on Monday.

What had promised to be a standout tussle between the world&#39;s third and fifth-ranked players failed to deliver as Nishikori won the group opener in little more than an hour in front of a subdued O2 Arena crowd.

From the opening game when Wawrinka had to save two break points the 31-year-old struggled and Nishikori duly got the first break in the fifth game with a punishing forehand.

Nishikori was ruthlessly efficient and quickly polished off the first set aided by a second break when US Open champion Wawrinka double-faulted to end a woeful service game.

Wawrinka tried to pump himself up at the start of the second set, delivering a couple of signature backhands, but he was still struggling to locate his A-game.

The crowd, far from a sell-out, wanted more for their money but a miscued Wawrinka forehand into the net gave Nishikori a break point in the fifth game which he converted when Wawrinka elected to leave a return that floated in.

Nishikori, who could still finish the year at a career-high third in the ATP rankings, claimed some revenge for this year&#39;s US Open semi-final loss when he broke again to end the contest after Wawrinka wafted a lazy backhand over the baseline.

Home favourite and new world number one Andy Murray takes on Marin Cilic later on Monday in the same John McEnroe group.

(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Japan's Nishikori beat US Open champion Wawrinka to win the group opener 6-2, 6-3

Japan's Kei Nishikori dispatched error-strewn Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3 in a disappointingly one-sided clash at the ATP World Tour Finals on Monday. What had promised to be a standout tussle between the world's third and fifth-ranked players failed to deliver as Nishikori won the group opener in little more than an hour in front of a subdued O2 Arena crowd. From the opening game when Wawrinka had to save two break points the 31-year-old struggled and Nishikori duly got the first break in the fifth game with a punishing forehand. Nishikori was ruthlessly efficient and quickly polished off the first set aided by a second break when US Open champion Wawrinka double-faulted to end a woeful service game. Wawrinka tried to pump himself up at the start of the second set, delivering a couple of signature backhands, but he was still struggling to locate his A-game. The crowd, far from a sell-out, wanted more for their money but a miscued Wawrinka forehand into the net gave Nishikori a break point in the fifth game which he converted when Wawrinka elected to leave a return that floated in. Nishikori, who could still finish the year at a career-high third in the ATP rankings, claimed some revenge for this year's US Open semi-final loss when he broke again to end the contest after Wawrinka wafted a lazy backhand over the baseline. Home favourite and new world number one Andy Murray takes on Marin Cilic later on Monday in the same John McEnroe group. (Reuters)

Nishikori thrashes wayward Wawrinka at ATP World Tour Finals

Stan Wawrinka became the oldest US Open men&#39;s champion in 46 years when he defeated world number one Novak Djokovic to claim a third Grand Slam title on Sunday. 
 
Wawrinka, the 31-year-old third seed, triumphed 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 after almost four hours of high-intensity tennis. 
 
He even held his nerve when the final threatened to erupt into controversy after Djokovic twice called medical timeouts in the fourth set. 
 
Wawrinka is the oldest winner of the men&#39;s tournament since 35-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1970 and the first over 30 to take the title since Pete Sampras in 2002. 
 
It was the Swiss player&#39;s first New York title, following his breakthrough 2014 Australian Open triumph and 2015 Roland Garros crown. 
 
On both those occasions, Djokovic had been the fall-guy, losing in Melbourne in the quarter-finals and ending as runner-up in Paris. 
 
Djokovic, the 2011 and 2015 champion, had been seeking a third Slam of the year and 13th major of his career. 
 
But the 29-year-old Serb finished runner-up in New York for the fourth time after paying a heavy price for converting just three of 17 break points. 
 
Wawrinka, who had to save a match point to beat unheralded Dan Evans in the third round, committed 51 unforced errors but crucially smashed 46 winners past his opponent. 
 
The final started against a sombre but defiant background with Broadway star Norm Lewis delivering a stirring rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, a poignant performance on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 
 
Djokovic, playing in his 21st Grand Slam final and seventh in New York, was quickest out of the blocks. 
He broke for 2-0 having won the first point of the game with two extreme, against-the-odds retrievals. 
Trailing 2-5, Wawrinka, who had spent the best part of nine hours more than Djokovic getting to the final, saved two set points. 
 
The Serb was made to pay for his wastefulness as the Swiss suddenly found his range, breaking back in the ninth game off a Djokovic double fault. But Djokovic glided untroubled through the tie-break as Wawrinka&#39;s serve fell apart. 
 
Wawrinka rallies&nbsp; 
 
Wawrinka is used to chasing lost causes against Djokovic, coming back from losing the first set to win their 2014 Australian Open quarter-final and again at Roland Garros last year. 
 
Calling on that expertise, he broke for 3-1 in the second set, recovered from handing the advantage back in the seventh to level the final when Djokovic unleashed a wild forehand on set point in the 10th. 
 
Frustrated, Djokovic demolished his racquet, collecting a code violation from umpire Ali Nili. 
 
Wawrinka saved three break points in the opening game of the third set, which featured a 28-shot exchange, broke in the second and saved another break point in the next for a 3-0 lead. 
 
But at the sixth time of asking in the set, Djokovic clawed his way back with a break for 2-3. 
 
Wawrinka, however, kept up the attack and on set point in the 12th game slotted a backhand deep and into the corner which Djokovic could only push wide. 
 
The world number one looked spent. He appeared to start cramping in the fourth set as he quickly slipped 0-3 down. 
 
Much to Wawrinka&#39;s irritation, at 1-3 Djokovic called the trainer and took a medical timeout for treatment for blisters. Djokovic apologised, claiming he needed attention as he couldn&#39;t stand. 
 
At 2-5, the trainer reappeared but Wawrinka saw the job through leaving Djokovic to finish a Slam runner-up for the ninth time.

(AFP)

Wawrinka defeated world number one Djokovic to claim a third Grand Slam title. Djokovic had been the fall-guy on both the previous occasions

Stan Wawrinka became the oldest US Open men's champion in 46 years when he defeated world number one Novak Djokovic to claim a third Grand Slam title on Sunday. Wawrinka, the 31-year-old third seed, triumphed 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 after almost four hours of high-intensity tennis. He even held his nerve when the final threatened to erupt into controversy after Djokovic twice called medical timeouts in the fourth set. Wawrinka is the oldest winner of the men's tournament since 35-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1970 and the first over 30 to take the title since Pete Sampras in 2002. It was the Swiss player's first New York title, following his breakthrough 2014 Australian Open triumph and 2015 Roland Garros crown. On both those occasions, Djokovic had been the fall-guy, losing in Melbourne in the quarter-finals and ending as runner-up in Paris. Djokovic, the 2011 and 2015 champion, had been seeking a third Slam of the year and 13th major of his career. But the 29-year-old Serb finished runner-up in New York for the fourth time after paying a heavy price for converting just three of 17 break points. Wawrinka, who had to save a match point to beat unheralded Dan Evans in the third round, committed 51 unforced errors but crucially smashed 46 winners past his opponent. The final started against a sombre but defiant background with Broadway star Norm Lewis delivering a stirring rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, a poignant performance on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Djokovic, playing in his 21st Grand Slam final and seventh in New York, was quickest out of the blocks. He broke for 2-0 having won the first point of the game with two extreme, against-the-odds retrievals. Trailing 2-5, Wawrinka, who had spent the best part of nine hours more than Djokovic getting to the final, saved two set points. The Serb was made to pay for his wastefulness as the Swiss suddenly found his range, breaking back in the ninth game off a Djokovic double fault. But Djokovic glided untroubled through the tie-break as Wawrinka's serve fell apart. Wawrinka rallies Wawrinka is used to chasing lost causes against Djokovic, coming back from losing the first set to win their 2014 Australian Open quarter-final and again at Roland Garros last year. Calling on that expertise, he broke for 3-1 in the second set, recovered from handing the advantage back in the seventh to level the final when Djokovic unleashed a wild forehand on set point in the 10th. Frustrated, Djokovic demolished his racquet, collecting a code violation from umpire Ali Nili. Wawrinka saved three break points in the opening game of the third set, which featured a 28-shot exchange, broke in the second and saved another break point in the next for a 3-0 lead. But at the sixth time of asking in the set, Djokovic clawed his way back with a break for 2-3. Wawrinka, however, kept up the attack and on set point in the 12th game slotted a backhand deep and into the corner which Djokovic could only push wide. The world number one looked spent. He appeared to start cramping in the fourth set as he quickly slipped 0-3 down. Much to Wawrinka's irritation, at 1-3 Djokovic called the trainer and took a medical timeout for treatment for blisters. Djokovic apologised, claiming he needed attention as he couldn't stand. At 2-5, the trainer reappeared but Wawrinka saw the job through leaving Djokovic to finish a Slam runner-up for the ninth time. (AFP)

Stan Wawrinka stuns Novak Djokovic to clinch maiden US Open title

Stan Wawrinka will summon the spirit of his epic Grand Slam battles with Novak Djokovic in a bid to sweep past the world number one and capture a first US Open title on Sunday. 
 
Wawrinka trails 19-4 in his career meetings with Djokovic, who is chasing a third New York crown and 13th major. 
 
But the 31-year-old Swiss has derailed the Serb before on the biggest stage. 
 
In 2014, Wawrinka won a five-set quarter-final against Djokovic on his way to a first Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open, beating Rafael Nadal in the final. 
 
Twelve months earlier in Melbourne there had been warning signs with Djokovic needing to grind out a 12-10 final set in the fourth round. 
 
Last year, Djokovic saw his hopes of completing a career Slam crushed in four sets by the Swiss in the French Open final. 
 
Even when the Serb has prevailed at the majors, it&#39;s often been on a knife-edge. 
 
When he defeated Wawrinka in the semi-finals of the 2013 US Open, he had to fight from two sets to one down. 
 
At the 2015 Australian Open, Djokovic needed another five sets to win their semi-final. 
 
&quot;I think he&#39;s so good that he always find a way to be better. For sure he made me better,&quot; Wawrinka said. 
 
&quot;The matchup has always been interesting to see because the way we are playing. I&#39;m trying to be aggressive. I can play really hard. He is amazing defender.&quot; 
 
Djokovic, playing in his 21st major final and seeking a third Grand Slam title of 2016, is only too aware of the dangers posed by the Swiss to his bid to add to his 2011 and 2015 US Open titles. 
 
- &#39;Big stage player&#39; - 
 
&quot;He&#39;s a big match player. He loves to play on the big stage, against big players, because that&#39;s when he elevates his level of performance,&quot; said 29-year-old Djokovic. 
 
&quot;He doesn&#39;t get too stressed by the big occasion. He&#39;s very powerful, big serve. Probably the best, most effective one-handed backhand in the world now. He can be very dangerous for everybody.&quot; 
 
Djokovic was left wondering what had hit him at Roland Garros in 2015. 
 
He had beaten Andy Murray and Nadal to get to the final but Wawrinka hadn&#39;t read the script, his 60 winners -- most fired off the backhand -- proving hammer blows to the Serb. 
 
Since that loss in Paris, however, it has virtually been business as usual. 
 
Djokovic went on to win a second US Open, a sixth Australian Open and first Roland Garros in June which finally allowed him to join the select club of career Grand Slam winners. 
 
His only blip was his third round loss to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon, an exit fuelled partially by unspecified personal issues. 
 
Despite his run to a seventh US Open final, it has not been plain sailing for Djokovic. 
 
He has needed regular treatment on his right shoulder while also requiring help with his left in the heat and crushing humidity of Friday&#39;s bizarre semi-final win against Gael Monfils. 
 
While Djokovic has enjoyed a walkover and two injury-forced retirements on his way to the final, Wawrinka had to save a match point against unheralded Dan Evans in the third round. 
 
He has also spent almost 18 hours on court while Djokovic has made the final after being in action for just over nine. 
 
However, the big Swiss has won his last 10 finals. 
 
The Swiss player, so often in the shadow of Roger Federer, has blossomed late in his career, winning the Australian title at 28. 
 
That made him the oldest first-time Slam winner since Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001. 
 
But history at the US Open may not favour Wawrinka on Sunday. 
 
Pete Sampras was the last player over-30 to win in New York and that was back in 2002. 
 
Elsewhere on Sunday, the women&#39;s doubles will be played featuring top-seeded French pair Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic against Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States and Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Wawrinka trails 19-4 in his career meetings with Djokovic, who is chasing a third New York crown and 13th major

Stan Wawrinka will summon the spirit of his epic Grand Slam battles with Novak Djokovic in a bid to sweep past the world number one and capture a first US Open title on Sunday. Wawrinka trails 19-4 in his career meetings with Djokovic, who is chasing a third New York crown and 13th major. But the 31-year-old Swiss has derailed the Serb before on the biggest stage. In 2014, Wawrinka won a five-set quarter-final against Djokovic on his way to a first Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open, beating Rafael Nadal in the final. Twelve months earlier in Melbourne there had been warning signs with Djokovic needing to grind out a 12-10 final set in the fourth round. Last year, Djokovic saw his hopes of completing a career Slam crushed in four sets by the Swiss in the French Open final. Even when the Serb has prevailed at the majors, it's often been on a knife-edge. When he defeated Wawrinka in the semi-finals of the 2013 US Open, he had to fight from two sets to one down. At the 2015 Australian Open, Djokovic needed another five sets to win their semi-final. "I think he's so good that he always find a way to be better. For sure he made me better," Wawrinka said. "The matchup has always been interesting to see because the way we are playing. I'm trying to be aggressive. I can play really hard. He is amazing defender." Djokovic, playing in his 21st major final and seeking a third Grand Slam title of 2016, is only too aware of the dangers posed by the Swiss to his bid to add to his 2011 and 2015 US Open titles. - 'Big stage player' - "He's a big match player. He loves to play on the big stage, against big players, because that's when he elevates his level of performance," said 29-year-old Djokovic. "He doesn't get too stressed by the big occasion. He's very powerful, big serve. Probably the best, most effective one-handed backhand in the world now. He can be very dangerous for everybody." Djokovic was left wondering what had hit him at Roland Garros in 2015. He had beaten Andy Murray and Nadal to get to the final but Wawrinka hadn't read the script, his 60 winners -- most fired off the backhand -- proving hammer blows to the Serb. Since that loss in Paris, however, it has virtually been business as usual. Djokovic went on to win a second US Open, a sixth Australian Open and first Roland Garros in June which finally allowed him to join the select club of career Grand Slam winners. His only blip was his third round loss to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon, an exit fuelled partially by unspecified personal issues. Despite his run to a seventh US Open final, it has not been plain sailing for Djokovic. He has needed regular treatment on his right shoulder while also requiring help with his left in the heat and crushing humidity of Friday's bizarre semi-final win against Gael Monfils. While Djokovic has enjoyed a walkover and two injury-forced retirements on his way to the final, Wawrinka had to save a match point against unheralded Dan Evans in the third round. He has also spent almost 18 hours on court while Djokovic has made the final after being in action for just over nine. However, the big Swiss has won his last 10 finals. The Swiss player, so often in the shadow of Roger Federer, has blossomed late in his career, winning the Australian title at 28. That made him the oldest first-time Slam winner since Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001. But history at the US Open may not favour Wawrinka on Sunday. Pete Sampras was the last player over-30 to win in New York and that was back in 2002. Elsewhere on Sunday, the women's doubles will be played featuring top-seeded French pair Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic against Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States and Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic. (AFP)

US Open 2016: Wawrinka takes on Djokovic in final tonight

Novak Djokovic maintained his unbeaten record against Frenchman Gael Monfils with a 6-3 6-2 win in the semi-finals of the Rogers Cup in Toronto on Saturday, while Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori also reached the final after beating Swiss second seed Stan Wawrinka. 
 
World number one Djokovic, now 12-0 against Monfils, has the opportunity to become the tournament&#39;s first four-time winner when he meets Nishikori in today&#39;s final. 
 
Nishikori came from 2-5 down in the opening set to stun Wawrinka 7-6(6) 6-1 in the first semi-final at the Aviva Centre. 
 
Monfils came into the semi-finals having won nine straight matches, including the Citi Open title in Washington, DC last Sunday.&nbsp;Djokovic overcame a service break in the third game and was dialled in the rest of the way in the 74-minute match. 
 
The Serb evaluated his play as his best of the week.&nbsp;Djokovic is 9-2 against Nishikori, and has won their last eight meetings, including the hard-court final in Miami earlier this year. 
 
&quot;It is going to be a great match and I&#39;m hoping to have another great performance as I have tonight,&quot; Djokovic said in a courtside interview. 
 
Nishikori is seeking his first ATP Masters 1000 title after reaching the third final of his career in the elite events. 
 
Wawrinka, a two-times grand slam champion who has won 14 ATP World Tour titles, became increasingly dispirited as he lost 11 of the last 13 games after squandering four set points in that opening set. 
 
Nishikori, serving at 40-0, sealed victory on the first of his three match points when an overhead smash prompted an unforced error from his opponent, ending an encounter that lasted just under an hour-and-a-half. 
 
Results: 
 
1-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat 10-Gael Monfils (France) 6-3 6-2 
 
3-Kei Nishikori (Japan) beat 2-Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) 7-6(6) 6-1 
 
(Reuters)

Novak Djokovic can become the tournament's first ever four-time winner when he meets Nishikori in Sunday's final

Novak Djokovic maintained his unbeaten record against Frenchman Gael Monfils with a 6-3 6-2 win in the semi-finals of the Rogers Cup in Toronto on Saturday, while Japan's Kei Nishikori also reached the final after beating Swiss second seed Stan Wawrinka. World number one Djokovic, now 12-0 against Monfils, has the opportunity to become the tournament's first four-time winner when he meets Nishikori in today's final. Nishikori came from 2-5 down in the opening set to stun Wawrinka 7-6(6) 6-1 in the first semi-final at the Aviva Centre. Monfils came into the semi-finals having won nine straight matches, including the Citi Open title in Washington, DC last Sunday. Djokovic overcame a service break in the third game and was dialled in the rest of the way in the 74-minute match. The Serb evaluated his play as his best of the week. Djokovic is 9-2 against Nishikori, and has won their last eight meetings, including the hard-court final in Miami earlier this year. "It is going to be a great match and I'm hoping to have another great performance as I have tonight," Djokovic said in a courtside interview. Nishikori is seeking his first ATP Masters 1000 title after reaching the third final of his career in the elite events. Wawrinka, a two-times grand slam champion who has won 14 ATP World Tour titles, became increasingly dispirited as he lost 11 of the last 13 games after squandering four set points in that opening set. Nishikori, serving at 40-0, sealed victory on the first of his three match points when an overhead smash prompted an unforced error from his opponent, ending an encounter that lasted just under an hour-and-a-half. Results: 1-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat 10-Gael Monfils (France) 6-3 6-2 3-Kei Nishikori (Japan) beat 2-Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) 7-6(6) 6-1 (Reuters)

Djokovic beats Monfils, heads to Rogers Cup final

Swiss second seed Stan Wawrinka advanced into the semi-finals at the Rogers Cup with a comprehensive 6-1 6-3 victory over big-serving South African Kevin Anderson at the Aviva Centre in Toronto yesterday. 
 
Wawrinka raced into a 4-0 lead as he swept through the opening set in 30 minutes, and then overcame tougher resistance by Anderson in the second before wrapping up the win in one hour, 14 minutes. 
 
The 31-year-old from Lausanne, who hit 14 winners and lost only five of his first service points, will next face Japanese third seed Kei Nishikori, who battled past unseeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-3 3-6 6-2 in the last eight. 
 
&quot;I started really well from the first game,&quot; said Wawrinka, a two-times grand slam champion who is seeking his 15th ATP World Tour title. &quot;It showed me that I was ready, aggressive, moving really well. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s one of the best matches of the year I played, I think. I was calm. Serving really good. Mixing a lot. I was reading the game well, good in defence and found a way to come back and attack.&quot; 
 
Nishikori, who reached the final in Miami and the last four in both Madrid and Rome in ATP Masters 1000 events earlier this season, beat Dimitrov in a see-sawing encounter that lasted just over two hours. 
 
Later yesterday, top-seeded Serb Novak Djokovic was scheduled to meet Czech fifth seed Tomas Berdych before local favourite Milos Raonic, the fourth seed, takes on Frenchman Gael Monfils. 
 
(Reuters)

Nishikori beat Dimitrov in a see-sawing encounter that lasted over two hours. Wawrinka will next face Japanese third seed Kei Nishikori

Swiss second seed Stan Wawrinka advanced into the semi-finals at the Rogers Cup with a comprehensive 6-1 6-3 victory over big-serving South African Kevin Anderson at the Aviva Centre in Toronto yesterday. Wawrinka raced into a 4-0 lead as he swept through the opening set in 30 minutes, and then overcame tougher resistance by Anderson in the second before wrapping up the win in one hour, 14 minutes. The 31-year-old from Lausanne, who hit 14 winners and lost only five of his first service points, will next face Japanese third seed Kei Nishikori, who battled past unseeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-3 3-6 6-2 in the last eight. "I started really well from the first game," said Wawrinka, a two-times grand slam champion who is seeking his 15th ATP World Tour title. "It showed me that I was ready, aggressive, moving really well. "It's one of the best matches of the year I played, I think. I was calm. Serving really good. Mixing a lot. I was reading the game well, good in defence and found a way to come back and attack." Nishikori, who reached the final in Miami and the last four in both Madrid and Rome in ATP Masters 1000 events earlier this season, beat Dimitrov in a see-sawing encounter that lasted just over two hours. Later yesterday, top-seeded Serb Novak Djokovic was scheduled to meet Czech fifth seed Tomas Berdych before local favourite Milos Raonic, the fourth seed, takes on Frenchman Gael Monfils. (Reuters)

Wawrinka, Nishikori reach semi-finals at Rogers Cup

Top seed Novak Djokovic breezed into the quarter-finals as the Rogers Cup continued pretty much according to script at the Aviva Centre on Thursday. 
 
Djokovic beat Czech qualifier Radek Stepanek 6-2 6-4 in a friendly encounter, during which both players repeatedly hammed it up for the crowd. 
 
Djokovic is the only member of the so-called &quot;big four&quot; competing in Toronto, with last year&#39;s champion Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal all absent from the $4.7 million event. 
 
In a tournament so far devoid of major upsets, the top five seeds advanced to the quarters, with Swiss Stan Wawrinka, Japanese Kei Nishikori, Canadian Milos Raonic and Czech Tomas Berdych booking last eight berths. 
 
Only Berdych needed three sets to progress and the fifth seed&#39;s reward is a showdown against Djokovic, who leads their head-to-head by a staggering 24-2 margin. 
 
Wawrinka won a hard-hitting battle with American Jack Sock, 7-6(3) 6-2. 
 
Next up for the two-time grand slam champion is unseeded South African Kevin Anderson, who rallied for a 4-6 6-3 6-4 victory over the 12th seeded Australian Bernard Tomic. 
 
Nishikori had little trouble getting by American Rajeev Ram, requiring just 68 minutes to register a convincing 6-3 6-4 win. 
 
&quot;The first set I played really good tennis. I had some tough times, but this score shows I was dominating a little bit,&quot; Nishikori, who next plays Bulgaria&#39;s Grigor Dimitrov, told reporters. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m still not 100 per cent yet, but feeling pretty strong. We&#39;ll have to see after a couple of more matches, but right now I feel good.&quot; 
 
A confident Gael Monfils extended his recent run of form with a 7-6(5) 2-6 6-4 minor upset of Belgian seventh seed David Goffin to book his spot in the quarter-finals. 
 
The 10th-seeded Frenchman, who arrived in Toronto fresh off earning his first tournament win in two-and-a-half years, will play Raonic in the quarters, after the local favourite dusted off American qualifier Jared Donaldson 6-2 6-3. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m going for the shots,&quot; Wimbledon runner-up Raonic said. 
 
(Reuters)

Novak Djokovic is the only member of the so-called 'big four' who is competing in Toronto

Top seed Novak Djokovic breezed into the quarter-finals as the Rogers Cup continued pretty much according to script at the Aviva Centre on Thursday. Djokovic beat Czech qualifier Radek Stepanek 6-2 6-4 in a friendly encounter, during which both players repeatedly hammed it up for the crowd. Djokovic is the only member of the so-called "big four" competing in Toronto, with last year's champion Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal all absent from the $4.7 million event. In a tournament so far devoid of major upsets, the top five seeds advanced to the quarters, with Swiss Stan Wawrinka, Japanese Kei Nishikori, Canadian Milos Raonic and Czech Tomas Berdych booking last eight berths. Only Berdych needed three sets to progress and the fifth seed's reward is a showdown against Djokovic, who leads their head-to-head by a staggering 24-2 margin. Wawrinka won a hard-hitting battle with American Jack Sock, 7-6(3) 6-2. Next up for the two-time grand slam champion is unseeded South African Kevin Anderson, who rallied for a 4-6 6-3 6-4 victory over the 12th seeded Australian Bernard Tomic. Nishikori had little trouble getting by American Rajeev Ram, requiring just 68 minutes to register a convincing 6-3 6-4 win. "The first set I played really good tennis. I had some tough times, but this score shows I was dominating a little bit," Nishikori, who next plays Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov, told reporters. "I'm still not 100 per cent yet, but feeling pretty strong. We'll have to see after a couple of more matches, but right now I feel good." A confident Gael Monfils extended his recent run of form with a 7-6(5) 2-6 6-4 minor upset of Belgian seventh seed David Goffin to book his spot in the quarter-finals. The 10th-seeded Frenchman, who arrived in Toronto fresh off earning his first tournament win in two-and-a-half years, will play Raonic in the quarters, after the local favourite dusted off American qualifier Jared Donaldson 6-2 6-3. "I'm going for the shots," Wimbledon runner-up Raonic said. (Reuters)

Djokovic domination continues, enters Toronto quarters

Swiss second seed Stan Wawrinka won a hard-hitting battle with American Jack Sock on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals at the Rogers Cup with a 7-6(3) 6-2 triumph. 
 
Wawrinka and Sock held serve throughout the first set to force a tiebreak that was won easily by Wawrinka, who went on to dominate the second set where he charged out to a 4-0 lead, and dropped just five points on serve to take the match. 
 
Next up for the two-times grand slam champion is unseeded South African Kevin Anderson, who rallied to a 4-6 6-3 6-4 upset win over number 12 seed Bernard Tomic of Australia. 
 
Japanese third seed Kei Nishikori had little trouble getting by American Rajeev Ram, as he needed just 68 minutes to register a convincing 6-3 6-4 win. 
 
&quot;The first set I played really good tennis. I had some tough times, but this score shows I was dominating a little bit,&quot; said Nishikori.&nbsp;&quot;I&#39;m still not 100 per cent yet, but feeling pretty strong. We&#39;ll have to see after a couple of more matches, but right now I feel good.&quot; 
 
A confident Gael Monfils extended his recent run of form with a 7-6(5) 2-6 6-4 upset over Belgian seventh seed David Goffin to book his spot in the quarter-finals. 
 
The 10th-seeded Frenchman, who arrived in Toronto fresh off earning his first tournament win in two-and-a-half years, will play either Canadian fourth seed Milos Raonic or American qualifier Jared Donaldson in the last eight. 
 
(Reuters)

Stan Wawrinka prevailed over Jack Sock at the Rogers Cup with a 7-6(3), 6-2 triumph

Swiss second seed Stan Wawrinka won a hard-hitting battle with American Jack Sock on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals at the Rogers Cup with a 7-6(3) 6-2 triumph. Wawrinka and Sock held serve throughout the first set to force a tiebreak that was won easily by Wawrinka, who went on to dominate the second set where he charged out to a 4-0 lead, and dropped just five points on serve to take the match. Next up for the two-times grand slam champion is unseeded South African Kevin Anderson, who rallied to a 4-6 6-3 6-4 upset win over number 12 seed Bernard Tomic of Australia. Japanese third seed Kei Nishikori had little trouble getting by American Rajeev Ram, as he needed just 68 minutes to register a convincing 6-3 6-4 win. "The first set I played really good tennis. I had some tough times, but this score shows I was dominating a little bit," said Nishikori. "I'm still not 100 per cent yet, but feeling pretty strong. We'll have to see after a couple of more matches, but right now I feel good." A confident Gael Monfils extended his recent run of form with a 7-6(5) 2-6 6-4 upset over Belgian seventh seed David Goffin to book his spot in the quarter-finals. The 10th-seeded Frenchman, who arrived in Toronto fresh off earning his first tournament win in two-and-a-half years, will play either Canadian fourth seed Milos Raonic or American qualifier Jared Donaldson in the last eight. (Reuters)

Wawrinka advances to Toronto quarter-finals

Stan Wawrinka survived a thriller against Mikhail Youzhny in the second round of the Rogers Cup on Tuesday, fighting back in both sets to prevail 7-6(3) 7-6(8). 
 
The Swiss second seed trailed 5-4 in the first set and had to break Youzhny&#39;s serve to force a tiebreak. He then fell behind 3-0 in the second before launching a comeback that saw him fight through set point in a heated tiebreak and ultimately pull through to close out the match. 
 
Wawrinka, who had failed to advance past the second round in his last two tournaments, now has a third-round match up with American Donald Young. 
 
Earlier in the day, Gael Monfils, fresh off his tournament win in Washington, cruised by Portugal&#39;s Joao Sousa 6-3 6-3 to ease into the second round. 
 
The 10th seeded Frenchman won 50 percent of his return points against Sousa and hammered down eight aces to extend his win streak to six matches. &ldquo;I think I&#39;ve put in good work with my team. What I try to do is keep working with them and then see the results later,&rdquo; said Monfils, two days after his first tournament win in two-and-a-half years. 
 
&ldquo;I like to think when I&#39;m in my top game and with consistency, I can beat a lot of players at the top.&rdquo; 
 
Czech fifth seed Tomas Berdych, playing his first match since losing in the Wimbledon semi-final to eventual champion Andy Murray, secured his spot in the third round with a 4-6 6-1 6-4 win over Croatia&#39;s Borna Coric. 
 
Top seed Djokovic, the only member of the &#39;Big Four&#39; in Toronto, will play his first singles match since Wimbledon when he takes on Luxembourg&rsquo;s Gilles Muller today. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Wawrinka, who had failed to advance past the second round in his last two tournaments, now has a third-round match up with Donald Young

Stan Wawrinka survived a thriller against Mikhail Youzhny in the second round of the Rogers Cup on Tuesday, fighting back in both sets to prevail 7-6(3) 7-6(8). The Swiss second seed trailed 5-4 in the first set and had to break Youzhny's serve to force a tiebreak. He then fell behind 3-0 in the second before launching a comeback that saw him fight through set point in a heated tiebreak and ultimately pull through to close out the match. Wawrinka, who had failed to advance past the second round in his last two tournaments, now has a third-round match up with American Donald Young. Earlier in the day, Gael Monfils, fresh off his tournament win in Washington, cruised by Portugal's Joao Sousa 6-3 6-3 to ease into the second round. The 10th seeded Frenchman won 50 percent of his return points against Sousa and hammered down eight aces to extend his win streak to six matches. “I think I've put in good work with my team. What I try to do is keep working with them and then see the results later,” said Monfils, two days after his first tournament win in two-and-a-half years. “I like to think when I'm in my top game and with consistency, I can beat a lot of players at the top.” Czech fifth seed Tomas Berdych, playing his first match since losing in the Wimbledon semi-final to eventual champion Andy Murray, secured his spot in the third round with a 4-6 6-1 6-4 win over Croatia's Borna Coric. Top seed Djokovic, the only member of the 'Big Four' in Toronto, will play his first singles match since Wimbledon when he takes on Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller today. (Reuters)

Stan Wawrinka battles past Mikhail Youzhny in Rogers Cup

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and seven-time winner Roger Federer were on Friday drawn to meet in the semi-finals of this year&#39;s Wimbledon which starts on Monday. 
 
World number one Djokovic, who is bidding to take another step closer to the first calendar Grand Slam since 1969, has defeated Federer in the last two finals at the All England Club. 
 
The draw means that second seed Andy Murray, the 2013 champion, was lined up for a semi-final against fourth seeded Stan Wawrinka. 
 
Three-time champion Djokovic completed the career Grand Slam with victory at the French Open earlier this month and now holds all four majors. It was his 12th career major and made him the first man since Jim Courier in 1992 to win the Australian and French Opens in the same year. The 29-year-old Serb begins his Wimbledon campaign against British wild card James Ward and could meet big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic in the last-eight. 
 
Murray takes on compatriot Liam Broady in the first round with a potential clash against Australia&#39;s Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round. Frenchman Richard Gasquet is a possible quarter-final rival. 
 
Federer, seeded three but enduring an injury-hit season, starts against Argentina&#39;s Guido Pella, ranked 51 in the world. The 34-year-old Swiss, the holder of a record 17 majors, could face Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals. 
 
If seedings play out, Wawrinka would come up against in-form Dominic Thiem of Austria for a place in the last-four. 
 
Defending women&#39;s champion Serena Williams, chasing a seventh Wimbledon title to equal Steffi Graf&#39;s Open era record of 22 majors, was drawn to face Polish third seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the last-four. Radwanska made the final in 2012. 
 
Reigning French Open champion Garbine Muguruza, who beat Williams to claim the trophy, could face Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber in the last-four. Muguruza begins against Italy&#39;s Camila Giorgi. 
 
The women&#39;s draw held out the tantalising prospect of an all-Williams final with Serena&#39;s sister Venus in the opposite half of the draw. 
 
Venus, 36 and a five-time champion, is seeded to face Muguruza in the last-eight while Serena could come up against Italy&#39;s Roberta Vinci who dumped her out of the US Open semi-finals in 2015. 
 
In other potential quarter-finals, Radwanska could meet Belinda Bencic while Kerber was drawn to face Simona Halep. Serena starts against a qualifier and will face either fellow American Christina McHale or Slovak veteran Daniela Hantuchova in the second round. 
 
Two-time champion Petra Kvitova meets Romania&#39;s Sorana Cirstea in her opener. British number one Johanna Konta, the first home seed in the women&#39;s draw since 1984, takes on Monica Puig in the first round. 
 
(AFP)

Djokovic begins his campaign against British wild card James Ward and could meet big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic in the last eight

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and seven-time winner Roger Federer were on Friday drawn to meet in the semi-finals of this year's Wimbledon which starts on Monday. World number one Djokovic, who is bidding to take another step closer to the first calendar Grand Slam since 1969, has defeated Federer in the last two finals at the All England Club. The draw means that second seed Andy Murray, the 2013 champion, was lined up for a semi-final against fourth seeded Stan Wawrinka. Three-time champion Djokovic completed the career Grand Slam with victory at the French Open earlier this month and now holds all four majors. It was his 12th career major and made him the first man since Jim Courier in 1992 to win the Australian and French Opens in the same year. The 29-year-old Serb begins his Wimbledon campaign against British wild card James Ward and could meet big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic in the last-eight. Murray takes on compatriot Liam Broady in the first round with a potential clash against Australia's Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round. Frenchman Richard Gasquet is a possible quarter-final rival. Federer, seeded three but enduring an injury-hit season, starts against Argentina's Guido Pella, ranked 51 in the world. The 34-year-old Swiss, the holder of a record 17 majors, could face Japan's Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals. If seedings play out, Wawrinka would come up against in-form Dominic Thiem of Austria for a place in the last-four. Defending women's champion Serena Williams, chasing a seventh Wimbledon title to equal Steffi Graf's Open era record of 22 majors, was drawn to face Polish third seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the last-four. Radwanska made the final in 2012. Reigning French Open champion Garbine Muguruza, who beat Williams to claim the trophy, could face Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber in the last-four. Muguruza begins against Italy's Camila Giorgi. The women's draw held out the tantalising prospect of an all-Williams final with Serena's sister Venus in the opposite half of the draw. Venus, 36 and a five-time champion, is seeded to face Muguruza in the last-eight while Serena could come up against Italy's Roberta Vinci who dumped her out of the US Open semi-finals in 2015. In other potential quarter-finals, Radwanska could meet Belinda Bencic while Kerber was drawn to face Simona Halep. Serena starts against a qualifier and will face either fellow American Christina McHale or Slovak veteran Daniela Hantuchova in the second round. Two-time champion Petra Kvitova meets Romania's Sorana Cirstea in her opener. British number one Johanna Konta, the first home seed in the women's draw since 1984, takes on Monica Puig in the first round. (AFP)

World champion Djokovic, Federer drawn for Wimbledon semi-final clash

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