Wawrinka Denied Djokovic Clash In Banja Luka By French Prodigy

| by Evita Mueller

Stan Wawrinka won’t be playing against Novak Djokovic at the 2023 Srpska Open in Banja Luka after first-round loss.

Despite facing a player ranked lower than himself, it wasn't an easy first-round match for the Swiss veteran in Banja Luka. Luca van Assche is the 2021 Roland Garros Juniors' champion and so the clay court suits him well. However, Wawrinka also lifted one Roland Garros trophy in his career, but one on the main ATP Tour, so he was ready to beat the young Frenchman.

In recent weeks, Wawrinka played good tennis, but he always clashed with high-ranked opponents. In Monte Carlo, he started with an impressive win but lost in the second round already to the eventual semifinalist Taylor Fritz. Now, he could face a similar faith in Banja Luka with a possible second-round match against the world no. 1.

The Swiss player was dominant in the first set, breaking his opponent's serve two times and never allowing the French youngster to have break points on his serve. Wawrinka hit three aces and after just 34 minutes he won the first set 6-1.

2023 Srpska Open Banja Luka ATP Prize Money & Points Overview - 562,815€
2023 Srpska Open Banja Luka ATP Prize Money & Points Overview - 562,815€

But the second part of the match proved to be much more challenging for the three-time Grand Slam champion. He had a total of seven break points in the second set, but his opponent just refused to be broken.

Therefore, the set had to be decided in a tie-break and Van Assche showed his fighting spirit, winning it 7-2 to force a decider in his first H2H match on the ATP Tour against Wawrinka.

Then, the Swiss player couldn’t use all of his experience in the third set as the French prodigy proved to be too good. Van Assche found his rhythm again and managed to be ruthless when it mattered the most. After a hard-fought battle, the teenager prevailed in three sets winning 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-4.

In the second round, he will meet the home crowd favourite at the 2023 Srpska Open, Novak Djokovic.

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