The Swiss Stan Wawrinkawinner of the US Open in 2016, on Tuesday became the oldest player to win a match at the American Major, the last round of the Grand Slam, since Jimmy Connors40, in 1992.
Wawrinka, 38, earned his first victory in New York in four years by beating Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 6-4 in the first round.
“I think I play well. I don’t try to compare with the past because it’s never a good idea to compare what I was doing a few years ago“, estimated Wawrinka, after the meeting. “But I’m happy with my level. I know where I am now. I know I can beat very good players. I can be really competitive. I move well.“
He will then face the Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry, seeded N.30, who came with difficulty to overcome the Finn Otto Virtanen, from the qualifications, during a tie-break in the fifth set.
Former world No.3, Wawrinka fell to 361st place last year, due to stubborn injuries. But he re-entered the Top 100 in February and showed up at the US Open ranked 49th in the world, refusing to talk about retirement.
“I never forgot why I started playing tennis and what I dreamed of when I was young was to play the US Open, to play those Grand Slams, those big tournaments, those ATP tournaments , to be there. I’m happy to still be able to play at this level.“
2023-08-30 09:36:07
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