Stan Wawrinka on Novak Djokovic ‘prize’: ‘It’s always special to play against him’
Stan Wawrinka’s comeback gathered pace on Wednesday as he was “rewarded” for his latest Italian Open win with a third-round clash against world No 1 Novak Djokovic.
After winning his first match in 15 months with a first-round victory over Reilly Opelka in Rome on Monday, Wawrinka followed it up with a battling 7-6 (10-8), 3-6, 6-4 defeat of Laslo Dere.
Following no breaks of serve in the opening set, the Swiss edged a humdinger tie-breaker after saving two set points. Dere, though, broke in game eight of the second set to take it to a decider.
Things you LOVE to see 😁
37 y/o @stanwawrinka becomes the lowest-ranked player in the Rome third round since No. 411 Corrado Borroni in 1995!#IBI22 pic.twitter.com/1xbpg0a9MM
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 11, 2022
And the Serbian appeared to be on course to face compatriot Djokovic after breaking in game three of the third set, but Wawrinka drew level in game six and broke again in game 10 to earn the win.
The former world No 3, who currently sits at No 311 in the ATP Rankings, is looking forward to facing 20-time major champion Djokovic, but he admits it may have come a bit too early in his comeback.
“It’s not the best prize, but it’s always special to play against him,” he said. “I’m not where I want to be yet with my game, with my fitness level, with my mental (game). I need those matches, so to have a chance to play against the best player, it’s going to be really difficult for me, that’s for sure.”
He added in his post-match press conference: “Novak, it’s going to be tough. A tough challenge for sure. I don’t think I’m ready to play at that level yet, but it’s going to be interesting to see. I need to get through those matches the next few months.”
The winner of the Wawrinka-Djokovic clash will face either eighth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime or Marcos Giron in the quarter-final while Rafael Nadal could be a potential semi-final opponent.
Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner won an all-Italian clash in Rome as he defeated Fabio Fognini 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 to set up a clash against Filip Krajinovic, who stunned fifth seed Andrey Rublev in the second round.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.