Stan Wawrinka added to his stunning list of achievements on Tuesday night in Basel, bringing the home crowd to its feet with a 6-1, 7-6(3) win over Miomir Kecmanovic to become the oldest man to win a match in Swiss Indoors history, as well as the second oldest player to ever win an ATP match at the 500 level.
“I was really nervous before the match but really happy with what I did tonight,” Wawrinka said. “It’s an amazing feeling to still be able to play at that level, I’m looking forward to the next one.”
At 40 years and six months of age, Wawrinka showed the St. Jakobshalle faithful how much game he has left, as he played at a high level across the one hour and 22-minute triumph to reach the second round.
The two-time semifinalist dominated the opening set, then rallied from a break down in the second and eventually pushed past the 26-year-old world No.52 in a tiebreak.
“It’s amazing, it was the best match so far this year, and to do it here in Basel it’s always special to come back – so much support, so much pressure I put on myself to do a good performance.
“I’m passionate about this sport, it’s for these moments, little moments, that I keep pushing a little bit more. I’ve not been having amazing results this year but I am still fighting, still trying to find my level, still practicing hard.
“I enjoy what I’m doing, I’m passionate and it’s an amazing feeling to be able to still be playing here in Basel on such a beautiful court.”
The Swiss blasted 33 winners to just 11 for Kecmanovic and won 75 percent of his first serve points.
Wawrinka improves to 17-16 lifetime in Basel, and 581-374 lifetime on the ATP Tour.
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