Stan Wawrinka fell victim to both the British weather and Fernando Verdasco at the Aegon Championships after he crashed out 6-2, 7-6(3), in the first round.
The opening encounter was a significant match for the No.2 seed for two reasons. It was his first match on the grass this year and it was his first match since hiring 1996 Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek as a consultant. Facing a player who he defeated in straight sets at SW19 last year, Wawrinka knew he would be in for a tough match. Former Queen’s quarter-finalist Verdasco was responsible for knocking Rafael Nadal out of this year’s Australian Open.
Monday’s rainy conditions was just as disruptive on day two with the Start of the match being delayed by almost two hours. Once the rain subsided enough for play to start, Verdasco pounced immediately by taking advantage of Wawrinka’s fragile serve, which was far from his best. A forehand return winner gifted the Spaniard the early break in the match to control proceedings. Two-time grand slam champion Wawrinka certainly had the ability to fight back, but the consistency wasn’t there. Faced with the prospect of a double break to trail 1-4, Wawrinka successfully fended off a duo of break points before succumbing on the third due to a forehand error. The opening set was a case of what could have been for the Swiss player, who failed to convert six break points. Verdasco clinched the opening set with a 67 mph ace that landed perfectly on the centre line of the court.
On the verge of suffering a first round upset, the second seed started more positive during the early stages of the second set. Unlike the first set, the second was more equal between the two players with seven games going with serve before a torrential downpour halted play yet again.
Resuming play, Wawrinka had a double chance to break and serve for the second set, but once again failed to break the solid wall put up by Verdasco. Wawrinka’s inability proved fatal as he produced an error-stricken tiebreaker. A trio of errors elevated his rival to an easy 5-1 lead. Verdasco progressed to four set points after hammering a forehand down the line, his 26th winner of the match. The Spanish underdog achieved the upset after hitting a deep ball that was returned out by Wawrinka.
“In general, I felt good with all of my games. I was also happy with all the break points that I saved,” Verdasco said shortly after his win.
“I’m happy in general of everything for my first match on the grass.”
The triumph come after what has been a roller coaster start to the season for the 32-year-old. Besides his win over Nadal at the start of the year, Verdasco was sidelined from action for three weeks due to a neck injury. The triumph over Wawrinka will do wonders to the confidence of the world No.53, however, he is aware that he still has far to go in the tournament.
“After tonight I need to start thinking about the next match because here (London) matches are very difficult. It doesn’t matter if you play the first seed, second seed or even a qualifier,” he said.
“You just have to give your best, try your best, and hopefully be happy with your game.”
No excuses from Wawrinka
Verdasco’s triumph means that Wawrinka will enter the upcoming Wimbledon Championships without any wins on the grass. The wet and windy conditions was far from ideal for the world No.5, however, Wawrinka attributed his loss to his ongoing attempt to adapt from the clay to the grass.
“The conditions are tough for everybody after a few of days of rain. It is the same for everybody,” the two-time major champion said.
“With grass courts, it’s always a challenging surface for my game.”
Leading up to Wimbledon, Wawrinka will remain in London and practice with his team. An early exit at the upcoming grand slam event could be costly for the 31-year-old, who reached the last four at SW19 last year.
