The Swiss Stan Wawrinka, 84th in the world, was pushed to three sets by the American Maxime Cressy, 39th in the world, but ended up winning in the snatch 6-7 (3-7), 6-3, 7- 6 (7-4) on Wednesday to reach the second round of the Madrid Masters 1000. Wawrinka, former world No.3, will face Russian Andrey Rublev, sixth player in the world and recent winner in Monte-Carlo, in the second round on Friday.
For his return to the Spanish capital after three years of absence due to injuries, the 38-year-old Swiss had to scrap to overcome his young opponent (25 years old), with in particular a decisive game lost in the first set, and another won on an ace to win the game.
“It was a very tough match, but against Maxime, I expected it. It was my first time against him, and he serves really well. In addition, on this very fast clay, it was all the more difficult. But I concentrated on my game, and it happened, “savored Wawrinka after the match.
In the women’s draw, Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who returned to the circuit three weeks ago after a year-long hiatus for pregnancy, was beaten 6-4, 7-5 in the first round by Belarusian and world 47th Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
The Austrian Grabher, winner of Tomova 6-1, 7-6 (7-5) will face the world No.1 Iga Swiatek in the second round, after the withdrawal of Emma Raducanu for pain in the right hand. The Brit said after her retirement that her wrist was ‘OK’.
