The best French Open clashes between the ‘big five’ part four: 2017 Andy Murray v Stan Wawrinka

James Spencer guides us through part four of five of the best French Open clashes between the “big five” of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka.
Stan Wawrinka vs Andy Murray: 2017 French Open semi-final
In a battle of the heavyweights Murray and Wawrinka played an exceptional five-set match to demonstrate that they are two of the best clay-court players in the world.
With both players having won three Grand Slams each French tennis fans knew they were in for a treat.
Wawrinka played some outstanding tennis in the first set but was unable to serve it out as Murray edged a close first set tie-breaker 8-6.
‘Stan the Man’, though, battled back to seize the second set 6-3 as he began to settle into the match.
Both players played some stunning winners as the match was laced with drop shots of outstanding finesse.
Britain’s Andy Murray motored through the third set to clinch it 7-5. However, as the Scotsman stood on the cusp of yet another Grand Slam final, Wawrinka showed his champion like qualities to take the fourth set tie-breaker and send it to a decider.
Sadly, for British tennis fans, the world number one began to wane physically and Wawrinka steamed through the fifth as his trademark one-handed backhand set up a blockbuster French Open final against the nine-time champion Rafael Nadal.
This match is noteworthy to both Murray and Wawrinka as they bludgeoned the life out of each other, little knowing that the hip injury sustained to the Brit and the knee injury to the Swiss were both potentially career ending. Both had to sit out the second half of the 2017 season and much of the 2018 season. Two years later and tennis fans are hoping and praying that both can return to their former heights and play outstanding tennis once again.
Follow James Spencer on Twitter @JamesTennis17
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
News
Mirra Andreeva recalls ‘really stupid move’ after French Open exit
The 16-year-old angrily fired a ball into the crowd during her 6-7 (5) 6-1 6-1 loss to Coco Gauff.
-
French Open
Holger Rune: I haven’t used too much unnecessary energy during the tournament so far
He might get a Casper Ruud rematch.
-
French Open
Andy Murray on Novak Djokovic remark: No athlete should be stopped from freedom of speech
‘Stop violence’ comment continues to court controversy.
-
French Open
Iga Swiatek sorry for being ‘boring’ after bagelling Wang Xinyu
Straight-sets win for defending champion.
-
French Open
Coco Gauff ends 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva’s run at French Open
Gauff maintained her record of never having lost to a younger opponent after fighting back to beat 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva.
-
French Open
Casper Ruud after win over Zhizhen Zhang: He played some sloppy shots
Norwegian overcomes frustration.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal’s expected recovery time revealed following successful hip surgery
Nadal underwent the procedure on Friday evening.
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz names one thing he would change in tennis
Carlos Alcaraz not a fan of one aspect of tennis.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal surgery shows ‘he still wants to compete’
Rafael Nadal “still wants to find solutions for his injury” and return to action.
-
French Open
Elena Rybakina latest to succumb to ‘virus here in Paris’ as she pulls out of French Open
A virus forced the fourth seed out minutes before her third-round match.