Wawrinka Turns Back Clock In Umag To Reach First ATP Final Since 2019
Seventeen years after winning his maiden ATP trophy in Umag, Stan Wawrinka literally turned back the clock to make the final at the 2023 Croatia Open.
This final that he'll contest on Sunday in Umag is the first one since 2019 and a testament to his persistence in coming back from injuries. He had double ankle surgery but promised to come back, and here he is. The former Grand Slam champion is in the final after beating a very tricky player Lorenzo Sonego, but it shows how well he's been playing this week.
Wawrinka has been playing pretty solid all year long earning some solid wins so this is hardly a surprise. He has been playing pretty strong here all week, and the motivation go to all the way to the final once more certainly proved crucial.
The first set was 6-3 for Wawrinka, mostly because he actually used the chance he was given. Both were pretty solid on their serve, not allowing many chances, but Wawrinka used his break point, and Sonego didn't. The second set followed a similar trajectory as we had both players holding the serve rather comfortably.
The first break point came at 3-3, and while Sonego saved the first one, Wawrinka used the second one, which was the crucial moment. From there, the Swiss veteran managed to hold his serve comfortably and secure the spot in the final. The final score was 6-3 6-4 as he'll face Alexei Popyrin in the final.
Wawrinka was pretty excited after the match about his victory because was asked about his connection with Umag considering he won his maiden trophy here many years ago and now he'll have a chance to add another one 17 years later.
It would be a pretty nice reward for Wawrinka considering all the work he put in. It should motivate him to keep going because he was right, he still has plenty to give to tennis.
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