“It’s been a really tough year so far, but I’m not getting young girl so I am trying to keep pushing myself.” Stan Wawrinka revealed his ‘mantra’ after outclassing the French youngster, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, at the Shanghai Masters first round. Despite meeting Perricard for the first time on-court, Wawrinka showed no hesitation in finishing the match at 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (8-6). While he won his 100th hard-court victory in the ATP 1000 events, his biggest fan—his girlfriend, Sara Hannoun—witnessed it all. And she also shared a special message for the 39-year-old on her social media!

The professional model girlfriend of Stan Wawrinka, Hannoun, took to her Instagram and shared the final scoreboard of the match displayed on TV! Despite not being physically present at the match, she made sure to express her heartiest congratulations on that post, as she wrote, “Ouiiiii, tellement fiere ❤️,” which when translated to English is “Whoooo, so proud ❤️.” For the Swiss player, this victory comes after a streak of opening-round defeats in the past few matches, starting from the Swiss Open. 

However, after enduring three tournaments’ early round defeats, a Shanghai Masters round of 128 match victory seemed like a redemption for the three grand slam champion. On top of that, the former World No. 3, who has yet to qualify for a QF match in any tennis event this year, is struggling with his form and is currently ranked outside the top 150! Nevertheless, throughout this tough time, her girlfriend, the Miss Aisne 2024 and Miss Picardie 2024 winner, Hannoun, has always been there to support him. 

Their relationship first came to the public limelight when Hannoun wished Wawrinka “Happy Birthday! I love you,” on Instagram this March. To support her boyfriend, she even made an appearance in Paris, where Stan Wawrinka participated in the Olympics. She wrote on Instagram, “Hello Paris.” Moreover, Hannoun, who once shared a few pictures of herself on a tennis court, also sometimes offers a few glimpses (pictures) of the couple’s special moments on Instagram as well! 

However, now, as Wawrinka became the 12th player to earn a 100th hard court victory (ATP 1000 events), her enthusiasm for his victory is palpable. And Wawrinka’s reflections after the match further revealed his ‘happiness’ too!

Stan Wawrinka is “enjoying” his time in China

Star Wawrinka was only able to secure five ATP match victories this season before heading to Shanghai. However, as he faced Perricard in the first round, Wawrinka, who hit 13 aces and saved all three break points he faced, comfortably won against him in just one hour and 47 minutes! After the match, he let out a scream of joy. “Allez!” Following the match, he expressed his thoughts and said, “I’m happy with the match. I think it was a really good level. I was playing really good, one of the best matches of the year for me.”

Furthermore, he appreciated Perricard and said, “He’s such an aggressive player. It was great to be here, so much support here, so I’m enjoying my time in China.” Per him, he grabbed this victory as he capitalized on his ‘confidence’ to go in for a shot without holding back. He further revealed that he played ‘simple’ but ‘really solid,’ which ultimately made him win. Now, his next target is to show the same magic against Flavio Cobolli in the round of 64 match. And as he soars through new heights, his girlfriend will keep on cheering for him!