Wimbledon: Wawrinka stuns Etcheverry to set up blockbuster clash with Djokovic | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The 38-year-old Swiss Stan Wawrinka showcased his enduring class by eliminating seeded Argentine Tomas Etcheverry on Thursday, securing a spot in the third round at Wimbledon.
Proving the adage that class is permanent and form is temporary, Wawrinka outclassed his 23-year-old opponent in a hard-fought encounter, winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 on Court Three.
This achievement marks Wawrinka’s first appearance in the third round of a Grand Slam tournament in three years. The Swiss veteran, ranked 88th in the world, faced an uphill battle against the 29th seed, but his experience and skill propelled him to victory.

Wawrinka’s reward for his triumph is a highly anticipated clash with defending champion Novak Djokovic in the next round. The two players famously clashed in the 2015 French Open final, with Wawrinka emerging victorious and expanding the so-called “big four” to a “big five.”
Reflecting on his achievement, Wawrinka acknowledged the challenges he has faced in recent years, particularly with his knee issues. “It’s been a long time since I had much success at Grand Slams,” he said. “I’ve been working hard to regain my form, and I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made.”
Wimbledon has not been Wawrinka’s most successful tournament, with only two quarter-final appearances to his name. However, his victory over Etcheverry has propelled him to the third round for the first time since 2015.

In his upcoming clash, Wawrinka will face the formidable Djokovic, who is vying for a historic fifth consecutive Wimbledon title and an eighth overall, equalling the all-time record. Djokovic currently leads their head-to-head encounters 20-6, but they have never met on grass.
Looking ahead to the showdown, Wawrinka expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge and the opportunity to face Djokovic on the grass court.
“I’ll enjoy it if I don’t get killed,” he humorously remarked. “It’s a big challenge, but I’m grateful for the chance to play against him on grass. I’ll give my all and see what happens.”
(With inputs from Reuters)