There is just one man standing in the way between Stan Wawrinka and his bid to reach the semifinals of the ATP Finals for the second successive year.
After redeeming himself in London with a straight sets win over David Ferrer, The Swiss No.2 will now play against home favorite Andy Murray. It will be the first meeting between the two players since the 2013 US Open quarterfinals, where Wawrinka took the win. Looking ahead to the Friday clash, Wawrinka acknowledged that he faces a tough task.
“It’s going to be interesting for sure. We used to have some big battles in the past, some tough matches, three sets, four sets, etc. It’s will be interesting how I’m going to play Friday”. The French Open champion said.
“He’s having an amazing year, No. 2 in the world. He is so dangerous indoor, especially at home”.
In their 14 previous matches, Wawrinka currently trails the head-to-head 6-8, however, he won their two most recent matches in 2013. Despite the two-year gap since their last meeting, the Swiss player doesn’t expect any substantial difference in Murray’s game. The only difference Wawrinka has noticed is the increase in his aggressive play as well as his confidence due to his strong season, which has elevated the Brit to No.2 in the world.
This year Murray is in the same position as his Swiss rival were last year, playing the year-end championships a week before the Davis Cup final. In the lead up to the tournament the world No.2 spent time preparing on the clay in France as suppose to the hardcourts. The decision was taken due to the Davis Cup final occurring on clay as Murray aims to guide his country to their first title in the event since 1936. The approach by the Brit has resulted in a decline in his performance, according to the French Open champion.
“It’s impossible to know exactly what we can expect from him for Friday. If I look at his match (against Nadal), I think he was a little bit flat. The fact he practiced so much after Paris, on clay to get the rhythm doesn’t help him to feel completely fresh this week”. Wawrinka said.
Wawrinka will face off against Murray at 20:00 BST at the O2 Arena on Friday.
