Wawrinka sets Musetti showdown in Athens
Could this week’s Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship be the stage for another unforgettable ‘Stan the Man’ moment?
Stan Wawrinka thrilled the Greek crowd Monday in Athens when he rallied past Botic van de Zandschulp 2-6, 7-6(5), 7-5 for a place in the second round. For the former No. 3 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, the emotions of such a comeback never get old.
“It’s a big reason why I keep doing it, is to be full of the emotion, to see the fans supporting me, giving me so much energy,” Wawrinka said. “It’s still amazing. It’s something that I know the day I will stop I will not find anywhere else.”
The Swiss star knows he faces a tough test in the next round against second seed Lorenzo Musetti. If the Italian wins the ATP 250 event this week he will qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals for the first time.
“He has a [big] challenge in front of him for getting there and it’s important for him of course,” Wawrinka said. “It’s a big challenge [facing him]. He’s playing so well. I’ve watched him play many matches this year, so I’m looking forward to playing him and seeing where I am.”
In other action, qualifier Eliot Spizzirri eliminated Laslo Djere 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-2 in the pair’s first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting. The American began the season at World No. 228 and with the victory is now No. 86 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. He will try to continue his climb against sixth seed Nuno Borges.
Miomir Kecmanovic set a clash with third seed Luciano Darderi when he ousted Kamil Majchrzak 7-6(4), 7-6(4). Damir Dzumhur also moved on when he beat Jacob Fearnley 6-4, 6-2.
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