Daniil Medvedev and Stan Wawrinka helped kick off the Rotterdam Open in fine fashion, with the match catching the eye of Andy Murray.
Wawrinka is happy with his career, with the 39-year-old boasting 16 ATP Tour wins since turning pro back in 2002.
But Wawrinka has just fallen short in his latest efforts on the court, losing a thrilling Rotterdam opener to Medvedev.
Medvedev wants to be more confident, and he should gain some comfort from his 6-7(8-10), 6-4, 6-1 win over his veteran opponent.
The Russian second seed was playing his first match since the Australian Open, where he lost in the second round to American teenager Learner Tien.
Enjoying a much better run in Melbourne was coach Murray, who helped steer Novak Djokovic into the semi-finals.
The Scot has now been taking in the action in Rotterdam, with the recently-retired legend having been left really impressed by the level of his former rival.
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Tagging Wawrinka on X, Murray wrote: “Watching Stan the man battling with one of the best players in the world at nearly 40 years of age in first round in Rotterdam, what a player!”
The Swiss star battled it out with the 2021 US Open champion and world number seven for two hours and 27 minutes before eventually losing out.
Stan Wawrinka | Statistic | Daniil Medvedev |
4 | Aces | 7 |
4 | Double faults | 6 |
55/106 (52%) | First serve | 57/88 (65%) |
5/11 (45%) | Break points saved | 5/7 (71%) |
87/194 (45%) | Total points won | 107/194 (55%) |
Just like Murray did, Wawrinka is still producing superb tennis for his age, with Medvedev having been pushed all the way by the Swiss icon.
The Scot can certainly empathise with Wawrinka more than most, with both players having won three Grand Slam titles.
READ MORE: Stan Wawrinka names the toughest opponent he faced between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray
Importantly, those titles came in an era when Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were all playing unbelievable tennis.
Murray has since called time on his playing career, but Wawrinka isn’t stopping just yet despite turning 40 next month.
Result | Year | Tournament | Surface | Opponent | Score |
Win | 2014 | Australian Open | Hard | Rafael Nadal | 6–3, 6–2, 3–6, 6–3 |
Win | 2015 | French Open | Clay | Novak Djokovic | 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4 |
Win | 2016 | US Open | Hard | Novak Djokovic | 6–7(1-7), 6–4, 7–5, 6–3 |
Loss | 2017 | French Open | Clay | Rafael Nadal | 2–6, 3–6, 1–6 |
Medvedev meanwhile takes on qualifier Mattia Bellucci in round two of the Rotterdam Open, where the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Alex de Minaur and Holger Rune are also involved.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner is, however, taking a break from action after triumphing at the Australian Open.
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