Three time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka edged past an erratic Nick Kyrgios 1-6 7-5 7-5 to reach the second round at the Rogers Cup as Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic was tested.
Despite the eventual win the former US Open champion fell to a poor start as Kyrgios provided the Canadian crowd with some first set entertainment. The Aussie maximised his potential in the opening set as he produced tweeners, dropshots and even the occasional 185 km/h forehand, as you can see below:
https://twitter.com/TennisTV/status/1026856456170164232
The 16th seed moved Wawrinka around the court as this match was a vital one for both men as they were both recovering from injuries. The 23 year old completed the first set in just 29 minutes, dropping just one game.
The second set was much better from the multiple time grand slam champion as he settled into his rhythm and used his one handed backhand to great effect. Midway through the second set, Kyrgios took a medical time-out as his left hip was once again causing him awkward pain. The current world number 195 saw there was an opening and took advantage as a backhand pass broke Kyrgios and forced a deciding set.
The final set was the best set of the match, with Kyrgios wanting to keep the points shot as he continued to hammer down his eventual total of 26 aces. However Wawrinka stood firm and posted some of his best serving stats of the match to keep the pressure on his Australian opponent. Eventually Kyrgios faltered as a missed volley handed Wawrinka a second break of the match and the victory.
The win means it is the second biggest win since his comeback earlier this season and in his press conference, he explained his emotions about the win, “I’m happy with that result,” claimed Wawrinka. “I need confidence and matches. I’m practicing well… I need that in matches now. I was focusing on my tennis.”
As for Kyrgios there are more questions and concerns around his hip injury, although after his match he insisted that he would still compete in the doubles event. Up next for Wawrinka is Hungarian Marton Fucsovics in the second round tomorrow.
Wimbledon Champion Djokovic Tested Against Lucky Loser
In other results, Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic came through a testing match against Bosnian lucky loser, Mirza Basic 6-3 7-6(3). The world number 84 came in as a late replacement for Hyeon Chung, who withdrew due to a back injury. Despite being broken twice in the second set, the world number 10 came through a scrappy match in 90 minutes to reach the second round, where he will face Toronto’s own, Peter Polansky.
There were also good wins for Stefanos Tsitsipas, Frances Tiafoe and Sam Querrey in the day session while Kei Nishikori faced a surprise exit to Robin Haase, losing 7-5 6-1.
