Two former champions met in the first round of the ATP 500 tournament in Rotterdam. The 2023 winner Daniil Medvedev ousted the champion from ten years ago, Stan Wawrinka, 6-7, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and 27 minutes.
The veteran fought well in the opening two sets. He saved two set points in the opener and prevailed after a thriller. Medvedev blasted the chair umpire after the 11th game following a time violation. However, he stayed focused despite dropping the first set.
The Russian served well from the second set and toppled the three-time Major winner.
These two are putting on a show! 🎪@DaniilMedwed 👏 @stanwawrinka @abnamroopen | #abnamroopen pic.twitter.com/zjxcYfDAfo
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 3, 2025
They hit the same number of winners. Wawrinka plagued his chances after spraying over 50 unforced errors, losing ground from the baseline and experiencing another early exit. Stan clinched a break in the third game of the opening set.
He saved a break point in the next one to cement the lead and move 3-1 in front. Medvedev bounced back and claimed four straight games, stealing the rival’s serve in games six and eight for a 5-3 advantage. He served for the set in game nine and suffered a break at 15.
Stan Wawrinka & Daniil Medvedev, Rotterdam 2025© Stream screenshot
The 39-year-old denied a set point in the tenth game and improved his chances. Wawrinka wasted three set points in the tie break and faced the second at 7-8. The Swiss saved it and stole the breaker 10-8 for a massive boost.
Daniil made a fresh start in the second set and secured a break at love in the first game. World no. 7 denied three break points in the fourth game and remained in front. The 2023 champion provided three fine holds and wrapped up the set with a hold at love at 5-4.
Stan had nothing more left in the tank. He suffered three breaks in the final set and lost it 6-1, propelling Daniil over the top.
Tennis World USA