2023-07-09 19:30:00
07.07.2023, 23:58
Stan Wawrinka was two points short of forcing a postponement of his third-round match once morest Novak Djokovic. The Romand led 5: 3 in the tie-break of the third set, but was unable to take advantage of his chance. With two slight mistakes, he let the Serbs equalize to 5:5, following which the favorite snatched victory with two good points. The game was over at 10:45 p.m. local time. At 11 p.m. it should have been adjourned.
For Wawrinka, the duel once morest tennis’s dominator was insightful to see where he stands. He started well but then conceded a series of breaks and lost the first two sets clearly. In the third round he was able to keep up better – also because Djokovic was no longer quite as determined and made a few mistakes. However, Wawrinka was unable to earn a breakball in these two hours. The 3:6, 1:6, 6:7 (5:7) reflected the events well.
Djokovic’s praise
It was striking how seriously Djokovic took this challenge. He didn’t approach the game like a usual third round match, but started from the start like in a semi-final or final. That shows how much respect he has for Wawrinka, who has beaten him in three Grand Slam duels. “It’s incredible what Stan is still able to do at his age, following so many operations,” said the 23-time Grand Slam champion. “I appreciate him very much as a player and as a person.”
Stan Wawrinka’s charge was stopped.
Photo: Alberto Pezzali (AP Photo)
“It was the expected tough match,” said Wawrinka. “I’m not at the level right now to beat a Djokovic in this form. Playing once morest him at his current level and confidence is difficult for me. I’m glad I was able to keep up better in the third set. If I can put pressure on him, he’s not untouchable. It’s a shame, I made these mistakes in the end.”
But he can be very satisfied with the tournament, said the Romand, who reached the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time following his comeback in February 2022. «I have my line, I work hard to keep improving my level. It’s progressing step by step. I don’t know if I’ll get back to the level to beat someone like Djokovic. The future will tell.” Wawrinka continues the week following next at the sand tournament in Gstaad. (sg.)
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