Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Garden Tennis and Croquet Membership, London, Britain – July 6, 2023 Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka in motion throughout his second spherical match towards Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
Stan Wawrinka arrange a Wimbledon third-round conflict with seven-time champion Novak Djokovic on Thursday, hoping to “not get killed” by a rival he first confronted 17 years in the past.
The 38-year-old Wawrinka, who has received three Grand Slam titles, made the final 32 by seeing off Argentina’s twenty ninth seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
It is going to be his first time within the third spherical on the All England Membership since 2015, when he went on to make the quarter-finals.
Wawrinka, now ranked at 88 after a prolonged battle with accidents, has solely crushed Djokovic six instances in 26 conferences.
Nonetheless, they’ve by no means met on grass.
“I’ll get pleasure from it if I don’t get killed,” mentioned Wawrinka. “Novak is an incredible champion. I’m completely happy to get the prospect to play him on grass earlier than I end my profession.
“It is going to be a giant problem and I must play at a excessive degree.”
Two of Wawrinka’s wins over Djokovic got here in Grand Slam finals — on the 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open.
The Swiss additionally beat the 23-time main winner within the last-eight of the 2014 Australian Open on his solution to his maiden Slam triumph.
“He took away two Grand Slams from me. That’s the function he performed, beating me in two Grand Slam finals,” joked Djokovic after reserving his place within the third spherical on Wednesday.
“No, I like Stan rather a lot. He’s an important particular person. Actually all the time inspirational what he’s doing at his age. He’s virtually 40 years outdated and he nonetheless retains going robust. That’s one thing that not many individuals can do.”
RELATED STORIES
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please attempt once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
Learn Subsequent
Do not miss out on the most recent information and knowledge.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get entry to The Philippine Day by day Inquirer & different 70+ titles, share as much as 5 devices, take heed to the information, obtain as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Name 896 6000.
For suggestions, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.