Three-time Grand Slam champion, Stan Wawrinka, booked a place in the second round at the Saint Petersburg Open with a hard-fought straight-sets win over Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene on Monday.
The 33-year-old Wawrinka, who came to St Petersburg courtesy of a wildcard, prevailed 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) in one hour 46 minutes to chalk up his third win over Bedene in their fourth meeting.
“I’m really happy to be back here,” Wawrinka said on court after the match. “Last time I was here two years ago when I lost in the final.
“Of course I’m happy with my first win here. I think it was a great level.”
The Swiss star has been struggling to find his best form since returning to the ATP Tour after two operations on his left knee a year ago, and he was trailing 5-3 here after dropping his serve early in the first set.
But the former world number three, who is now down at 88, picked up steam…
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