In a thrilling quarter-final showdown at the 2025 Open Aix Provence, Stan Wawrinka, the veteran Swiss tennis star, showcased his enduring talent by defeating American Nishesh Basavareddy with a score of 7-6 (10-8), 6-3 on May 2, 2025. This victory not only propelled Wawrinka into the semi-finals but also marked a significant milestone in his comeback journey at the age of 40.
Wawrinka, currently ranked 158 in the ATP standings, faced a challenging opponent in Basavareddy, who was celebrating his 20th birthday on the day of the match. The American, ranked 107, had previously made headlines by reaching his first Tour-level semi-final at the ASB Classic earlier this year. However, against the seasoned Wawrinka, Basavareddy found the going tough.
The match began with a tense first set where Wawrinka initially struggled after losing his serve early on. However, he quickly regrouped, breaking back to level the score at 2-2. The set was marked by high stakes as both players fought for dominance. Wawrinka had to fend off two set points during a nail-biting tie-break, ultimately clinching it 10-8. This set lasted approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, showcasing both players' determination and skill.
Following his triumph in the first set, Wawrinka's experience shone through in the second. He broke Basavareddy's serve at 1-1 and maintained his momentum, winning 80% of his points on his first serve and hitting six aces throughout the match. With a solid performance, he closed out the match in 1 hour and 56 minutes, securing his spot in the semi-finals.
Wawrinka's victory in Aix-en-Provence is his third consecutive win at this tournament, a feat he hadn't achieved since October 2024 when he last strung together three wins at the ATP 250 event in Stockholm. This resurgence in form comes after a challenging start to the year, where Wawrinka faced six first-round exits and struggled to find his rhythm on the tour.
In the lead-up to this quarter-final, Wawrinka had begun his campaign in Aix-en-Provence with a solid 6-4, 6-3 victory over home favorite Ugo Blanchet, followed by a significant upset against top seed Alexei Popyrin, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. These performances indicated that Wawrinka was finding his footing again, a promising sign for fans and followers alike.
Now, Wawrinka will face Croatian Borna Gojo, ranked 352, in the semi-finals. Gojo advanced after defeating Frenchman Vacherot. The match promises to be another test of Wawrinka's resilience and skill, as he seeks to continue his impressive run at this Challenger event.
Reflecting on his performance, Wawrinka expressed his satisfaction with the win, stating, "It feels great to be back in the semi-finals, especially after such a tough start to the year. I’m looking forward to the next match and hope to keep this momentum going." His confidence is palpable, and with his extensive experience on clay courts, he remains a formidable opponent.
Wawrinka's journey has not been without its challenges. The former major champion, known for his powerful baseline game and tactical acumen, has faced injuries and fluctuating form over the past few years. However, his determination to return to the top of the game is evident in his recent performances, particularly in Aix-en-Provence.
As the clay-court season progresses, Wawrinka's resurgence could signal a turning point in his career. With a history of success on clay, including seven titles and a French Open victory in 2015, he is no stranger to performing under pressure. Fans are eagerly anticipating how he will fare against Gojo, who is looking to make a name for himself in the tournament.
This quarter-final match not only highlights Wawrinka's skills but also his ability to inspire the next generation of players like Basavareddy. The young American has shown promise in his early career, and despite this setback, he remains a player to watch in the future.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Wawrinka as he aims to add another title to his illustrious career. The semi-final clash against Gojo is set to take place soon, and with Wawrinka's current form, it promises to be an exciting encounter.
With the atmosphere electric in Aix-en-Provence, the stage is set for Wawrinka to potentially make another deep run in a tournament that has seen him succeed in the past. As he continues to defy age and expectations, fans can only hope that "Stan the Man" has more magic left to deliver on the court.
