Stan Wawrinka Steam Rolls Over Andy Murray at French Open 2020

French Open 2020 kicked off with Stan Wawrinka vs Andy Murray being the headliner on the very first day. In the battle between two 3-time Grand Slam champions, Wawrinka defeated Murray in straight sets 6-1, 6-3, and 6-2.

The match began with Andy Murray winning the very first point and the first game of the match. But what followed was vintage Wawrinka.

Set-1: Stan Wawrinka displays sheer dominance

Even though Murray won the first game, it was the 3-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka who managed to break first in the third game. A game that lasted for more than 10 minutes, the 35-year-old Swiss won on his second break-point.

The World No.17 won another game on Murray’s service and maintained a healthy lead of 4-1 after the end of the 5th game.

The same thing happened in the seventh game as Wawrinka won 2 set-points this time. He won the point and the set thereafter.

After being 0-1 down in the first game, with a series of smashing forehands and accurate one-handed backhands, Wawrinka won the next 6 games. He won the 35-minute long set 6-1, breaking on 3 occasions.

Set-2: Almost the same story, the exact same result. Bravo Stan Wawrinka!

The fourth game of set 2 was something special. Running from the court-line to chase a close drop, Murray not only scored a running winner but also ensured that he won the game. The energy in the run displayed the British player’s determination despite not being his hundred percent.

After winning the respective games on their serves till 3-2 with Murray trailing, it was Wawrinka again who broke first in the second set. After the sixth game, the scoreline was 4-2 with Wawrinka leading. In the next game, the Swiss player was trailing 0-30 but then gained 4 points with the help of his powerful and precise forehands, winning the game in the process.

Murray was really struggling with his first serve. His first ace came in the 8th game of the second set when Wawrinka already had 5. Surprisingly, the second ace came in the same set which helped him win the game.

The next game saw Wawrinka earning 2 set-points again. Consequently, he won the second set 6-3 which lasted for 32 minutes.

Set-3: The final nail in the coffin of Murray

Wawrinka continued with the same momentum and won the first game, breaking yet again. However, it was Murray, who for the first time in the match, managed to secure 2 break-points in the second game of the third set.

Unfortunately, the British player’s happiness was short-lived. Wawrinka completely outplayed him again and won 4 straight points. He eventually won the game and was leading 2-0 again.

Murray did not want to give up easily. He fought and brought the scoreline somewhat close. At the end of the fifth game, Wawrinka was leading 3-2.

But, it was surely Wawrinka’s night. He again broke in the sixth game and won the seventh one as well. The scoreline was 5-2 now. Wawrinka was just 1 game away. He started the next game in style, winning 3 straight points and gaining 3 match points.

He did not have to wait for long and won the match on his second set-point, winning the third set 6-2. Wawrinka claimed the victory 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 and stormed into the second round.