LONDON: A three-hour rain delay, the slippery grass, and Dan Evans were the obstacles Stan Wawrinka faced during his first round match at The Fever-Tree Championships.
At the rain-hit tournament in London, the seventh seed battled to a 6-3, 6-4, win over an in-form Evans. Coming into the match home favorite Evans had already won back-to-back Challenger titles on the grass. Meanwhile, Wawrinka was yet to play a single match on the surface. Nevertheless, the world No.19 blasted seven aces and dropped only five points behind his first serve to book a place in the second round.
“I’m super happy. I think it was a great match at a great level.” Wawrinka told Ubitennis.
“It’s never easy to play against him, but today I was playing really solid and aggressive. I was serving well for my first match on the grass court, which is a good start.”
Four games into the match, proceedings were briefly halted after Evans suffered a nasty fall. Trailing 1-3, the Brit slipped behind the baseline and jarred his knee. Prompting a worried look on his the faces of his camp watching in the crowd. Fortunately, he will still able to continue playing.
“It’s never easy, but it isn’t easy for everybody. I think in general the court are really well (maintained). They do something amazing with the court.” The former world No.3 commented about the conditions.
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After all the commotion was a rain delay lasting more than three hours. Resuming play with a break advantage in his favor, Wawrinka continued to dictate proceedings. After clinching the 6-3 lead, the Swiss player broke once more three games into the second set on route to the victory.
The triumph is a stark contrast to what occurred this time last year. 12 months ago life was looking very different on the tour for both players. Albeit due to very different reasons. Three-time grand slam champion Wawrinka found himself at 261st in the world during the early stages of his return from knee surgery. Meanwhile, Evans was placed even lower at 340th. The Brit found himself out of the elite after being suspended for 12 months for failing a drugs test back in 2017.
“I came back from big surgery so it took a lot of time to come back physically strong and mentally as well. I think I’m playing well.” Wawrinka reflected.
“I’m really happy. I’m enjoying every tournament. I’m with the way I have been practicing, working out and trying to improve my game. Trying to enjoy myself on the court.”
In the last 16, he will lock horns with France’s Nicolas Mahut. It will be the first meeting between the two since the 2013 final of the Rosmalen Grass Court Championships. Wawrinka’s first and last ATP final played on the grass so far in his career.
“I have a new challenge against Mahut. He’s a different player who loves the grass. His game suits the grass really well and it will be difficult.” Wawrinka previewed.
“The motivation is always there. It is going to be a tough match, but I am looking forward to it.” He added.
The latest win is Wawrinka’s 20th of the season.
