2014 in review: Wawrinka emerges from Federer’s shadow

 

Originally published on 23/12/14

From the first month, when he won his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, through to the season’s conclusion at the Davis Cup final, it was a momentous year for Stan Wawrinka. The 29-year-old from Lausanne finally emerged from the shadow of Roger Federer, which was one of the reasons why victory over his friend and fellow Swiss in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters was particularly special.

Federer had played in three previous Monte Carlo finals, losing to Rafael Nadal on each occasion, and was determined to secure one of the few jewels missing from his crown. He had lost to Wawrinka only once in their previous 14 meetings.

The two friends had lunch together before the final before Wawrinka lost the first set, edged a tight tie-break in the second and won the third 6-2.

“It’s always special to play Roger,” he said afterwards. “We know it’s always a strange match, especially being in the final here. He’s my best friend on the tour. We respect each other so much.”

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This is an excerpt from "2014: That Was The Year That Was" in Volume 5 Issue 6. Subscribe to the magazine today or download tennishead on iTunes.

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