Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka played in the final of the European Open in Antwerp over the weekend. The two had played each other 19 times in the past. Murray had an 11-8 record against Wawrinka heading into the match. However, the two players have struggled with injuries over the last couple of years.
Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka battling with injuries
Murray considered retirement after the Australian Open this year because of a persistent hip injury. The 32-year-old underwent hip resurfacing surgery after the tournament to save his career. The operation was a success and he returned to the court in June after recovering from the surgery. Stan has also been dealing with a knee injury this year which made him withdraw from the St. Petersburg Open last month. Despite their injury issues, the two players played made it to the final in Antwerp. Murray won the match in a thrilling contest. The British player recovered from a set down to win the match 3-6 6-4 6-4.
Federer projected to play Wawrinka in the quarters
Roger Federer has congratulated Murray for winning his first title since his comeback from injury. The 20-time Grand Slam champion was delighted to see the former world number one back on tour. After the final in Antwerp, Federer said that he was a little torn during the match. The 38-year-old was undecided on who to cheer for between his Swiss compatriot and his friend Murray. However, he was pleased to see Murray lift the title. “I was a little bit torn since he beat Stan in the final, but it was a great way for him to come back.” Wawrinka also said he was happy to see Murray back on tour despite losing to him in the final.
Federer is playing at the Swiss Indoors in Basel this week. He is aiming to win the title for the tenth time in his career. Wawrinka will also play in Basel and could face Federer in the quarterfinals. The two are on the same side of the draw. They have played each other twenty-six times with the Swiss dominating his compatriot with twenty-three wins.
Murray waiting for the 3rd baby
Murray will take a break from the tour as he continues to manage his comeback. He will play for the British team in the Davis Cup finals next month. Murray and his wife, Kim Sears, are also expecting their third child.
Federer in Basel, ranking, and results in 2019
Ranked no.3, Federer has a 46-8 win-loss record in 2019. The Swiss is currently competing in Basel where he defeated Peter Gojowczyk 6-2 6-1.
The Swiss will square off with Albot in the 2nd round. The head to head is 1-0 for Federer.
The last time that they squared off, Federer won 4-6 7-5 6-3 in the 2nd round in Miami in 23rd March 2019.
The Swiss conquered 3 titles in 2019 in Dubai, in Miami and in Halle. Federer was the finalist in Indian Wells and in Wimbledon.
Roger won 102 titles in his career: 47 on hard courts, 11 on clay courts, 20 on indoor courts, 5 on carpet courts and 19 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Stan Wawrinka’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.17, Wawrinka played his last match on the 20th of October when he surrendered to Andy Murray 3-6 6-4 6-4 in the final in Antwerp.
Stan Wawrinka’s best performance of the current season was reaching the final in Antwerp and Rotterdam.
Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka played each other 28 times. The head to head is 25-3 for Federer.
The last time that they squared off, Roger Federer won 7-64 4-6 7-65 6-4 in the quarter in French Open the 04th June 2019.
Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka |
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