When Stan Wawrinka suffered a left foot injury in 2021 and was sidelined for more than a year, the tennis world believed that was the end of the road for him. But since 2022, Wawrinka has shown persistence and drive, which has led the 38-year-old tennis star to become the oldest player to win a match at the Stockholm Open since Jimmy Connor in 1991.
Still in search of a new title before the end of the season, Stan Wawrinka returned to the Stockholm Open 12 years later and eliminated Borna Gojo in the first round. While British Dan Evans and American Christopher Eubanks suffered shocking defeats to qualifiers.
Stan Wawrinka shows strong performance at Stockholm Open 2023
Stan Wawrinka triumphed over Borna Gojo 7-5, 6-4, in straight sets at the Stockholm Open. It took only 91 minutes for the three-time Grand Slam winner to cruise past the young Gojo. The win is Wawrinka’s 567th of his career, making him the 6th most active player in the history of tennis.
The fact that Wawrinka has played another full season on tour at the age of 38 is beyond impressive but he is still in search of his first title. The last time Wawrinka competed in the Stockholm Open was in 2010 when he reached the quarterfinals and in 2011.
Stan Wawrinka is now 26 -19 for the 2023 season and will chase for his fourth tour level quarterfinal win of the year if he eventually beats Tomas Machac in the next round of the Stockholm Open.
Speaking after the victory, Wawrinka said: “It’s been a good year in general. I played a lot of tournaments, starting to win more matches in the 2nd part of the season. In general, I think I’m playing well. I need to keep pushing myself in matches to try to get more victories. Hopefully, I can keep going this week.”
The Swiss earlier revealed, before the Stockholm Open, that he will return to play at the 2024 Argentina Open in Buenos Aires, making it the fourth ATP 250 he will compete in his career. Also, Wawrinka confirmed that he will compete in the Rio Open 2024 and it will be his first time in Brazil and the South American swing.
Dan Evans and Christopher Eubanks suffer shock exits at Stockholm Open
Dan Evans fell a defeat in the first round of the Stockholm Open, in a shock straight sets to qualifier Filip Misolic. Evans, seeded eight in the Stockholm Open lost 6-4, 7-6(1) to world no 181 Misolic.
After losing in the early rounds of the US Open, and suffering defeat in the first round of the Rolex Shanghai Masters last week, Evans faced another disappointing setback in his career which could see him drop further from 27 position in the world ranking.
Recently, the 33-year-old received praise from Novak Djokovic as Serbia and United Kingdom prepare to clash in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup. Djokovic had said that the former British No. 1 is the only threat against Serbia’s ambition to win the Davis Cup.
Also, Christopher Eubanks fell in the first round to qualifier Pavel Kotov 6-7(2), 6-3, 7-6 (5). Eubanks left the Asian swing with only one win losing in the first round of the China Open and losing to Casper Rudd in a 4-6, 2-6 defeat at the Round of 32 in the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
How far will Stan Wawrinka go in the Stockholm Open? Make sure to let us know in the comments section.
