Stan Wawrinka’s preparation for Roland Garros has received a boost after he successfully defended his title at the Geneva Open on Saturday.
Playing in front of his home crowd, the world No.3 rallied from a set down to overcome German qualifier Mischa Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. The 140-minute encounter saw Wawrinka struggle to break Zverev’s serve, missing out on 13 out of his 18 break point opportunities. Still, the Swiss player maintained the edge as the match progressed.
“The level was great today, I think it was a great final,” Wawrinka said via atpworldtour.com. “Mischa was playing very well and maybe I was hesitating a bit in the beginning. I’m happy that I came back strongly in the second set and managed to turn the match around.
“I’m extremely happy to win my second title in Switzerland. It means a lot to me. This is the first time that my daughter is in the stadium when I win the title and that makes it even more special.”
Geneva is only the second tournament where Wawrinka has been able to win back-to-back titles after Chennai (2014-2016). The triumph has also ended his eight-month trophy drought. Wawrinka’s last title before Geneva occurred at the US Open in September.
The three-time grand slam champion will next travel to Paris to participate in the French Open. A former champion in 2015, he will start his new campaign against qualifier Jozef Kovalik. Wawrinka could play Fabio Fognini and Gael Monfils on route to the quarter-finals.
“I’m looking forward to Roland Garros,” Said Wawrinka. “This is the kind of week that helps you going into a Grand Slam. I had some great matches here this week.”
Tsonga conquerors Lyon
Jo Wilfried-Tsonga will also be entering the second grand slam of the year with winning momentum after clinching the Lyon Open title.
The world No.13 delighted home fans with a 7-6(2), 7-5, win over Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic. Tsonga secured the straight sets victory with the help of some dominating serving. The Frenchman, who was unbroken throughout the match, fired 13 aces past Berdych and won 93% of his first service points.
Tsonga’s achievement has set a new milestone in his career with Lyon being his first clay-court title. He has previously played in 25 ATP finals, 24 of which was on a hard court and one was on the grass.
“I am very happy. First title on clay court. It is now added to my CV and I can move on. I am going to enjoy this title today and tomorrow. It has been a great week overall,” Tsonga said.
A two-time semi-finalist in Roland Garros, Tsonga will play Renzo Olivo in the first round this year.
