Tennys Sandgren will make an appearance in the third round of a grand slam for the first time after he stunned a struggling Stan Wawrinka 6-2 6-1 6-4.
The American, who is ranked 97 in the world piled the pressure on Wawrinka’s serve from the beginning as he created a number of break point opportunities. Sandgren broke the 2014 champion twice at the backend of the set as Wawrinka was clearly struggling with a knee injury. The American sealed the first set, 6-2 in 27 minutes.
The second set only got worse for the world number 9, who is competing at his first tournament since Wimbledon, where he injured his knee. Sandgren stormed to a 4-0 lead as he implemented some impressive shots and targeted the Wawrinka forehand throughout the contest. The Swiss maestro was trying to get the crowd and himself motivated however it didn’t slow down the American’s progress as he grabbed the second set, 6-4.
Sandgren continued his momentum as he broke the multiple time grand slam champion in the first game for a 1-0 lead. Wawrinka tried everything he could to break down the American’s serve however Sandgren was clinical and stuck to his gameplan. The American sealed victory on his first match point to cause a major upset.
Wawrinka shouldn’t be too disappointed with the defeat as it is good to see him back on the court again but he has a long way to go if he wants to reach the heights of past seasons.
However for Sandgren he will now play his maiden third round match at a grand slam on Saturday and he will face German, Maximillian Marterer. The world number 94 knocked out Fernando Verdasco 6-4 4-6 7-6(5) 3-6 6-3 to set up an unlikely third round showdown with the American.
