Stan Wawrinka added to his impressive list of achievements on Tuesday night in Basel, electrifying the home crowd with a 6-1, 7-6 (3) victory over Miomir Kecmanovic to become the oldest man to win a match in Swiss Indoors history, as well as the second-oldest player ever to win an ATP match at level 50.
“I was really nervous before the match, but very 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 the age of 40 years and six months, Wawrinka showed the St. Jakobshalle faithful just how much game he has left as he played at a high level during the 1 hour 22 minute triumph to advance to the second round.
The two-time semi-finalist dominated the opening set, then rallied from a second-set breakdown and eventually outlasted the 26-year-old world No.52 in a tiebreak.
“It’s amazing, it was the best game 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’ve put on myself to do well.
“I’m passionate about this sport, it’s for these moments, small moments, that I keep pushing a little bit more. I haven’t had amazing results this year, but I’m still fighting, still trying to find my level, still practicing hard.
“I love what I’m doing, I’m passionate and it’s an amazing feeling to still be able to play here in Basel on such a beautiful pitch.”
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.
