Resurgent Stan Wawrinka too good for Kei Nishikori in Rotterdam semis
Stan Wawrinka claimed what feels like a significant win over Kei Nishikori in the semi-finals of the Rotterdam Open, with Gael Monfils now all that stands between him and a 17th career title.
Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, has endured a wretched time since undergoing two knee surgeries in 2017, struggling to regain the kind of level that saw him compete at the very top of the game.
However, there could now be light at the end of the tunnel, with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 success over top-seed Nishikori only providing more encouragement.
Wawrinka will face Monfils now in the final after the Frenchman pulled off an impressive 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win against Daniil Medvedev.
“Tactically I think I played good and physically I was tough, I was happy that I could handle it physically,” the 32-year-old Monfils said.
“My game plan was definitely to make him play a lot of balls and at the end I think it paid off.
“I was very happy because I kept the aggressive spirit at the end and I think that is why I won today.”
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Kevin PalmerEXCLUSIVE – Leon Smith reflects on coaching Andy Murray and the role of the inspirational Judy Murray
Leon Smith looks back on his days coaching Andy Murray.
-
Tennis NewsAlexander Zverev goes ‘back to his family roots’ as he leaves Roger Federer’s management firm
Alexander Zverev confirms changes to his team.
-
NewsTennis players’ isolation complaints given short shrift by Victorian Premier
A total of 72 players are unable to leave their rooms.
-
ATP TourKevin Anderson on potential ATP-WTA merger: ‘There have been no real discussions’
No ATP-WTA merger talks underway.
-
Australian Open‘Players upset’ over privileges afforded to Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem
“It’s not apples and apples here, but apples and pears.”
-
-
NewsMore Australian Open players go into isolation taking number up to 72
Forty-seven had already been quarantined.
-
NewsHow Australian Open players are keeping themselves occupied in quarantine
A total of 47 players forced to quarantine.
-
NewsAustralian Open preparations rocked by fourth positive Covid case
A positive test was returned on a charter flight from LA.
-
NewsPlayers were made aware of isolation risks on arrival to Australia – Craig Tiley
Forty seven players to remain in their hotel rooms.