Three sets, 1h49 of play, and a convincing performance: Stan Wawrinka’s 18th Wimbledon could hardly have started better than on Monday on Court No. 2 at Church Road. Facing British guest Charles Broom (ATP 248), the Vaudois won 6-3 7-5 6-4.
Solid on his serve, which is crucial on grass perhaps even more than on other surfaces, “Stan The Man” took advantage of a temporary drop in speed from Broom at 3-2 – three unforced errors on the forehand and a nasty volley – to win the 1st set in 23 minutes.
Suddenly more enterprising, the Briton quickly led 3-0 then 5-2 in the 2nd. But Wawrinka saved four second-set points and turned the situation around with a great deal of chopped forehands against a suddenly fragile Broom, particularly on the net volley.
After winning five games in a row, the three-time Grand Slam winner added three more at the start of a third set that he mastered from start to finish. “Stanimal” will challenge on Wednesday, during his second round meeting, the Frenchman Gaël Monfils (33rd), who defeated his compatriot Adrian Mannarino (24th) on Monday in four sets (6-4 3-6 7-5 6-4).
“It wasn’t easy in the 2nd set. You were down 2-5 and saved several set points. Did the experience help you?” asked the interviewer. “I hope. At least it’s useful for me to be old,” he replied, visibly very inspired.
