“Was Not Tough With Myself”: Stan Wawrinka Blames Himself for Loss Against World No.239 at French Open 2020

French Open 2015 champion, Stan Wawrinka, recently lost to Hugo Gaston in the third round of the French Open 2020. It is definitely a major setback for the Swiss player as he was looking in excellent form throughout the tournament. In a game that went to the fifth set, the 20-year-old Frenchman steamrolled over Wawrinka, beating him 6-0 in the last set. The final scoreline was 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Wawrinka said, “I was not tough with myself enough to play my game.” He clearly blamed no one but himself for his disappointing match.

Earlier, at the Roland Garros, Wawrinka looked impressive. He defeated 3-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray in the first round and then Dominik Koepfer in the second. Who would have thought that the Swiss would lose against the World No.239, even after winning the first set!

Read More: 20-year-old stuns Stan Wawrinka at the French Open 2020

“Had many opportunities that I didn’t take”- Stan Wawrinka

It was quite visible in the press conference that the 3-time Grand Slam winner was upset with himself. He looked dull and tired. Maybe, he still could not believe that he lost.

“I think I was more myself. My opponent (Gaston) played well all the match. He went for it. I was not as aggressive as I started in the first set,” said a pale-looking Wawrinka.

It was definitely a heartbreaking moment for the 35-year-old. This hasn’t been the year for him. After getting eliminated from the quarter-finals of the Australian Open 2020 by Alexander Zverev, he did not take part in the US Open 2020. Before the French Open 2020, he lost to Lorenzo Musetti in the very first round of the Italian Open 2020.

“I think I had many opportunities to come back in the second set, to take the lead, to keep the line, and to be aggressive over and over again. Yeah, I had many opportunities that I didn’t take,” admitted Wawrinka.

Whatever be the case, it is the end of the way for Wawrinka at the French Open 2020. On the other hand, Gaston became the second player after Sebastian Korda to enter the fourth round of the tournament with an ATP ranking of over 200. The young and enthusiastic Frenchman will next face US Open 2020 winner Dominic Thiem.