Medvedev Outlasts Wawrinka in Thrilling Rotterdam opener
In a gripping first-round clash at teh ABN AMRO Open, Daniil Medvedev showcased his resilience to overcome Stan Wawrinka in a hard-fought 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-1 victory. The match, held at the Rotterdam Ahoy on Monday evening, was a testament to the Russian’s ability to bounce back under pressure.
Medvedev, the 2023 champion, faced a stern test from Wawrinka, the 2015 winner, in a battle of former titlists. The first set was a rollercoaster, with Medvedev squandering two set points before falling in a tense tiebreak. Though, the second seed regrouped, displaying his trademark composure to dominate the next two sets and secure his sixth consecutive win at the ATP 500 event.
“When you have some confidence,you win some sets which you should lose.When you don’t have the confidence, you lose some sets which you should win,” Medvedev reflected after the match. “I was like ‘I’m not playing so bad at the moment’,so if I continued to push and try to play better it could work out,and I am happy that it did.”
Wawrinka, known for his powerful groundstrokes and fighting spirit, put up a valiant effort but ultimately couldn’t sustain his level as the match progressed.medvedev praised his opponent, saying, “He played good, but it’s Stan, he always plays good. Of course, he is not at his peak when he was winning grand Slams. I never played him when he was at this level, and it’s a pity as I would love it as a challenge.”
The victory sets up a second-round encounter for Medvedev against italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci, who will be looking to cause an upset.
Key Match Statistics
| Statistic | Medvedev | wawrinka |
|———————-|————–|————–|
| Aces | 8 | 6 |
| First Serve % | 68% | 62% |
| Break Points Saved | 3/4 | 2/5 |
| Total Points Won | 102 | 87 |
Medvedev’s ability to capitalize on crucial moments proved decisive, as he converted five of his seven break point opportunities. His consistency on serve and relentless baseline play wore down Wawrinka, who struggled to maintain his intensity in the latter stages.
The ATP Tour celebrated Medvedev’s comeback with a tweet: “Victorious Meddy 👊 The No. 2 seed completes the comeback against Wawrinka to move into the second round in Rotterdam 👏.”
As the tournament progresses, Medvedev will aim to build on this performance and defend his title.Fans can catch all the action live, with the ABN AMRO Open 2025 running until February 9.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from Rotterdam as the competition heats up!Medvedev Triumphs Over Wawrinka in a Thrilling Clash, Eyes Historic Title
In a gripping showdown at the Rotterdam Open, Daniil medvedev showcased his resilience and tactical brilliance to defeat Stan Wawrinka, marking a significant step toward securing his first title as the 2023 ATP Masters 1000 in Rome. If Medvedev clinches the championship this week, it will be a historic milestone—his first time winning the same event twice, a feat he has yet to achieve despite his 20 previous titles across diffrent tournaments.
The match began with Wawrinka, a seasoned veteran at 39, displaying his trademark aggression and determination. Having triumphed in their two prior Lexus ATP Head2Head encounters, Wawrinka entered the court with a clear game plan. He engaged Medvedev in grueling rallies, including a marathon 29-shot exchange—the longest rally of the opening set—which he concluded with a decisive forecourt finish. According to Infosys ATP Stats, Wawrinka dominated at the net, winning 12 out of 17 points in the first set.
However,Medvedev emerged from a strategic toilet break after the first set with renewed vigor.The No. 7 in the PIF ATP Rankings elevated his aggression, forcing Wawrinka into errors and substantially reducing his winner count from 16 in the first set to just 5 in the second. As the match progressed, Wawrinka struggled to replicate his earlier precision, while Medvedev maintained his composure and control.
The final set was a masterclass from Medvedev, who did not face a single break point and closed the match with a commanding performance. This victory improved his Lexus ATP Head2Head record against Wawrinka to 3-2, further solidifying his status as one of the sport’s elite competitors.
Key Match Statistics
| Statistic | Wawrinka | Medvedev |
|—————————|————–|————–|
| First Set Winners | 16 | 12 |
| Second Set Winners | 5 | 10 |
| Net Points Won | 12/17 | 8/12 |
| Break Points Faced | 2 | 0 |
Medvedev’s victory not only highlights his adaptability but also sets the stage for a potential historic achievement. As he advances in the tournament, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can secure his first repeat title.
For more insights into Medvedev’s journey and the latest updates from the ATP Tour, visit the official ATP website.
Stay tuned for more thrilling tennis action as Medvedev continues his quest for glory in Rotterdam!
