Wawrinka shone on Wednesday against Tiafoe © KEYSTONE/AP/MARK J. TERRILL
Published on 17.08.2023
Stan Wawrinka (ATP 51) rose brilliantly to the round of 16 of the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati.
The three-time Grand Slam winner outscored Frances Tiafoe (ATP 10) 6-3 6-4 in the second round to earn the right to face Australian qualifier Max Purcell (ATP 70) on Thursday.
Invited by the organizers, Stan Wawrinka picked up his fourth success in as many duels with Frances Tiafoe to become at 38 years old and almost 5 months the second oldest player in history to reach the round of 16 of a Masters 1000 behind Ivo Karlović. Even Roger Federer (38 years and 2 months in his last round of 16 in this category) did no better.
Wednesday night, Stan Wawrinka delivered by his own admission his best game of the year. He flew over the debates against Frances Tiafoe, thanks to his fabulous one-handed backhand but also to his service: author of 11 aces, he lost only 11 points on his engagement including 1 only when his first ball passed. He certainly conceded a break, but he was already leading 4-2 in the initial set.
The Vaudois, who begins his North American summer tour this week, can therefore approach his first confrontation with the Australian Max Purcell (25) with full confidence. But he’s bound to be wary of a player who knocked out US Open 2022 finalist Casper Ruud (ATP 7) on Wednesday and won three Challenger Tour titles this year on hard court.
ats
2023-08-17 04:08:51
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