The best five French Open matches involving the ‘big five’ part five: Rafael Nadal v Stan Wawrinka (2017)
James Spencer gives us the final part of the five best French Open clashes between the ‘big five’ Grand Slam champions of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka.
Rafael Nadal vs Stan Wawrinka: 2017 French Open Final
This was billed as a battle of the titans. Nine-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal, who hadn’t won a Grand Slam for three years since the 2014 French Open, faced off with Stan Wawrinka, who was a perfect 3/3 in Grand Slam finals. Something had to give.
Wawrinka initially stayed with Nadal at 2-2 in the opening set but the Spaniard quickly went through the gears and secured the double break as he blew the Swiss off the court with his powerful attacking baseline play, eventually taking the first set 6-2.
The nine-time French Open champion also seized an early break at the start of the second set as he began to exert full control of the match. Indeed, Nadal kept pummeling winners past Wawrinka and continued to hold serve on his way to clinching the second set 6-3.
Wawrinka did show fans his famous one-handed backhand with some sublime winners and also threw in some delicate volleys with his net skills.
But Nadal continued to play crisp tennis and showed everyone why they call him the King of Clay producing a devastating display to down Wawrinka in straight sets 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 as the Swiss clearly felt the effects of his marathon five-set semi-final win over Britain’s Andy Murray.
Afterwards, Nadal collapsed to the clay like a starfish after achieving a perfect 10/10 in French Open finals. The win gave the 31-year-old Spaniard a record tenth French Open crown and secured la decima.
Follow James Spencer on Twitter @JamesTennis17
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.