Rome: Stan Wawrinka fails because of Musetti - Gauff shaves Jabeur
The three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka surprisingly failed at the clay court tournament in Rome because of the 18-year-old qualifier Lorenzo Musetti (Italy). The 35-year-old Swiss had to admit defeat to number 249 in the world rankings with 0: 6, 6: 7 (2: 7). A teenager also celebrated a respectable success among women.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Sep 16, 2020, 09:06 am
Musetti, who won the junior tournament at the Australian Open in 2019, had previously fought through three qualifying rounds. It was his first victory in the main draw of the ATP Tour. "I know Stan from television and I knew he was a very tricky opponent," said Musetti. "Now I'm enjoying this win before I think about my next match against Nishikori."
Wawrinka felt out of place at the beginning and lost the first eight games before raising his level. Musette put pressure on with his one-handed backhand, but didn't show any nakedness on the forehand either and took the balls early. For the Rome finalist Wawrinka it was the 16th appearance in a row in the Italian capital. In August he won a Challenger tournament in Prague. Wawrinka did not attend the US Open.
In the afternoon Dominik Köpfer caused another surprise for the men with his victory over Alex de Minaur. Jan-Lennard Struff surprisingly went down against Federico Coria.
Gauff beats Jabeur
After failing twice early in New York, Coco Gauff celebrated a respectable success in her Rome debut on Tuesday. The American defeated Ons Jabeur 6: 4, 6: 3 in 82 minutes. It was her first main draw match on clay on the WTA tour.
"I think Ons played great today. She's a tricky player because she's very changeable," said Gauff. "I knew it would be difficult, the win is really good." Garbine Muguruza, who defeated Sloane Stephens, is waiting on lap two.
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Simona Halep and Viktoria Azarenka are on duty in Rome today, Wednesday. Rome is considered an acid test for the French Open from September 27th.