Wawrinka Upended by Anderson at Paris Masters

October 30, 2014 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal

Stan Wawrinka’s struggles continued on Thursday as the Australian Open champion was ousted in Paris in the third-round of the BNP Paribas Masters by 14th seeded South African Kevin Anderson.

Wawrinka had snapped a three-match losing streak with his second-round win over Dominic Thiem yesterday, but was unable to close out Anderson on Thursday. The Swiss had a chance to put the match away serving up 5-4, 30-0 in the final set, but he squandered that opportunity, eventually falling to the South African 6-7(2), 7-5, 7-6(3).

Each player would exchange sets through the opening two frames, sending the match into a deciding third. After holds occupied the first eight games, Wawrinka notched the first break point of the set to jump ahead 5-4.

Wawrinka was unable to serve for the match, however, as Anderson broke right back to even it at 5-5. After back-to-back holds, a tiebreaker was necessary, as Anderson was able to outlast Wawrinka.

The tall South African used his big frame to fire 18 aces over the course of the match. He notched two break points, with the biggest one coming down 4-5 in the third. It is the third straight time that Anderson has defeated Wawrinka.

Since reaching the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open in August, Wawrinka has won just two matches overall. Regardless, he has qualified for the ATP Finals in London, and will look to regain his form when he heads there next month.

Anderson will take on fifth-seeded Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals.

David Ferrer kept his hopes alive for the finals in London, as he defeated fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals on Thursday. If he can win two more matches and reach the title match in Paris, he will secure a spot at the end of the year finals. 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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