Swiss player Stan Wawrinka demonstrated his timeless skill on Thursday, defeating Argentina's Tomas Etcheverry to advance to the third round of the 2023 Wimbledon championships. In a tough battle on Court Three, Wawrinka proved that class is permanent, outplaying the 23-year-old opponent 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. For the 38-year-old Swiss star, currently ranked 88th, this victory is particularly sweet as it marks his first return to a Grand Slam third round in three years. Despite the challenge of facing the 29th seed, his veteran poise and talent were the deciding factors.
Stan Wawrinka of Swiss displayed his enduring class by eliminating Argentine Tomas Etcheverry on Thursday, sealing a berth in the third round of the Wimbledon 2023. 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 victory marks Wawrinka’s first appearance in the third round of a Grand Slam tournament in three years. The 38-year-old Swiss veteran, ranked 88th in the world, faced an uphill battle against the 29th seed, but his experience and skill propelled him to seal the victory.
The prize for Wawrinka's victory is a mouth-watering encounter with the defending champ, Novak Djokovic. The two share a storied history, most notably the 2015 French Open final where Wawrinka triumphed, effectively breaking the 'Big Four' monopoly and creating the 'Big Five.'
Reflecting on his progress, Wawrinka spoke about the uphill battle he's faced recently, especially regarding his persistent knee problems. He mentioned that it's been a long road back to Grand Slam success and expressed his satisfaction with the hard work he's put in to reclaim his form.
Wimbledon hasn't always been Wawrinka's strongest suit, with only two quarter-final runs in his career. That said, beating Etcheverry marks his first time reaching the third round here since 2015. Now, he faces the daunting task of playing Djokovic, who is chasing a record-equaling eighth title and a fifth straight Wimbledon crown. While Djokovic holds a dominant 20-6 lead in their head-to-head record, interestingly, they have never faced off on a grass court before.
Looking forward to the match, Wawrinka is genuinely excited to test himself against Djokovic on grass. He joked that he'll enjoy the experience 'if he doesn't get killed,' acknowledging the scale of the challenge while expressing gratitude for the opportunity. He promised to leave everything on the court and see where it leads.
Wawrinka is one of the rare athletes to have beaten Djokovic in multiple Grand Slam finals, a fact the Serbian star hasn't forgotten. During a Wednesday press conference at SW19, Djokovic admitted that Wawrinka cost him two Major titles, noting his pivotal role in his career. He praised Wawrinka as a great individual and an inspiration, admiring his ability to remain competitive and strong at his age—a feat few players can achieve.