Stan Wawrinka defeats world number three at Basel Open

Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years with a terrific straight sets victory over world number three Casper Rudd at the Basel Open.

Wawrinka, competing at his home event for a 15th time, delighted the home crowd en route to a 6-4 6-4 victory in one hour and 18 minutes.

The three time Grand Slam champion was able to convert both of his break point opportunities deep in both sets before serving out the match with ease. He won 93% of his first service points and hit 28 winners which Ruud had no answer for.

”It’s super special. A lot of emotion being back here in Basel with the Swiss fans”, he said in his post match interview.

”It’s always been amazing for me to play here but it’s always been difficult because I am nervous when I enter this court. I always want to show my best. It took me a bit of time to adapt to the court but the level was great and I’m really happy with that.”

The world number 194 also spoke of the satisfaction in overcoming the injury problems that have plagued the last two years of his career.

”Coming back was not easy. I was struggling really to get back in shape physically and tennis-wise. So to be able to produce that tonight here in Switzerland is of course something really special.”

Stan Wawrinka will now face American Brandon Nakashima in the round of 16.

Ruud, meanwhile, has had a disappointing last few weeks. He has lost his past three matches stretching back to the Asia swing in Seoul and Tokyo. Despite this downturn in form, his place at the end of season championships in Turin has long been secured.

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