The years go by and the same for Stan Wawrinka (ATP 156) in Melbourne. As in 2023 and 2024, the Vaudois did not pass the first round of this Australian Open which he won eleven years ago.
After Alex Molcan and Adrian Mannarino, it was Lorenzo Sonego (ATP 55) who blocked his path this time. The Italian won 6-4 5-7 7-5 7-5 after 3h12′ of the match. He forced the decision thanks to a masterful shot, an armed passing with his back turned to the net to achieve the break at 5-5 in the third set. This point, which could be that of the year as it was so prodigious, weighed very heavily in the balance. It allowed him to take a decisive option on victory.
Stan Wawrinka, who had benefited from a 5-3 ball a few moments earlier, however still had his chance in the fourth set. At 5-4, he led 0.40 to get three equalizer balls at two sets everywhere. He let this golden opportunity pass before scoring only one point in the last two games.
Almost 40 years old – he will celebrate it on March 28 – Stan Wawrinka demonstrated, despite this defeat, that he still had his place on the Circuit. He really gave the Turinese the response he was hoping for. His performance should encourage Severin Lüthi to find the right words to convince him to play the Davis Cup match against Spain at the end of the month in Bienne. His entry into singles would be perfectly justified.
/ATS
Swiss
