2023-05-31 19:21:42
Stan Wawrinka (ATP 89) had to admit defeat in the second round of Roland-Garros. The 38-year-old Vaudois, winner of the 2015 edition, lost 3-6 7-5 6-3 6-7 (4/7) 6-3 to Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis (108) after more than 4 and a half hours of play.
On the verge of breaking 2 days earlier in his 4h35 marathon against Albert Ramos-Viñolas, Wawrinka did not sign the feat this time. However, he fought another epic fight to snatch the right to play a 5th round.
The winner of the 2015 edition missed the mark at the start of the decisive set, finding himself behind 4-0 too quickly. Driven by a public committed to his cause, he did not let go, even erasing 4 match points. But Kokkinakis held on to finish on his 5th opportunity, thanks to a service winner. However, it is not the scenario of the 5th set that will leave the most regrets for Wawrinka, who was on the verge of tears when he left Court Simonne-Mathieu.
Because the former world No. 3 could very well have won in 3 rounds: author of a perfect start to the match, he thus led most logically in the world 6-3 4-2. However, all it took was a bad service game for the mechanics of Vaud to go wrong. Stan Wawrinka experienced a sudden drop in speed to 6-2 4-3, offering the break to his opponent by committing 3 unforced errors with a forehand while he had never before found himself in danger on his commitment. The Vaudois then took a blow to the head. Less “bleeding”, less constant in the exchange and slower in his movements, he only regained his senses at the end of the 3rd round.
ats/lper
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