Stan Wawrinka wowed the crowd with his performance as he advanced to the finals of the Croatia Open at Umag. This is the Swiss pro’s first final appearance since 2019. This victory is particularly memorable for Stan because he won his maiden ATP title at this event 17 years ago. Wawrinka will try to replicate the achievements of his 21-year-old self.
Stan defeated Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first final in 4 years, since losing to Andy Murray in the European Open. Such was Stan’s delight, he roused the crowd after the match, conducting them the way a maestro would.
Stan Wawrinka is conducting the crowd in Umag like an orchestra once again.
They appreciate him.
He appreciates them.
The most beautiful way to celebrate reaching his first ATP final in 3 years & 9 months.
Irreplaceable. 🥹
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 29, 2023
Fans were delighted to see this kind of support for Stan. Love poured in for the tennis pro from all corners of the internet. Here are some of the reactions.
Freddie Wawrinka Mercury
— juan diacono (@juan_diacono) July 30, 2023
Freddy Mercury, the legendary English singer of the rock band Queen was well-known for leading the crowd during his performances. Stan’s actions were not too dissimilar to Mercury’s, after his emphatic win.
He’s a class act
— FOR THE PEOPLE (@jamie_reinhold) July 30, 2023
Stan Wawrinka has seen and done it all and yet here he is, gone midnight at this ATP 250 in Umag, drenched in sweat at 38yo, conducting the crowd + having the time of his life. how can you not love him? https://t.co/3Zuri1zuAT
— Will (@WillBeckman_) July 29, 2023
Wawrinka must be riding high following his victory. The former world number 3 will look to keep this momentum going forward. He takes on Alexei Popyrin in the final.
The return of Stan Wawrinka
Stan Wawrinka was unstoppable against Lorenzo in the semifinal of the Croatia Open 2023. This is his 31st tour-level final and 14th on clay. Stan is yet to win a title since he won the Geneva Open in 2017.
“I’m happy with the match. I think I played really well, the best match of the week,” said Wawrinka. “I’m really happy to be in the final tomorrow,” (via ATP Tour).
Sunday will be his first final appearance since undergoing double foot surgeries in 2021. The operations came on top of two left knee procedures he underwent in 2017.
Wawrinka’s recent years have been difficult, mainly due to injuries.
And now, finally, after four years, he’s back in an ATP final.
He’s virtually a top 50 player again after almost two years.
It’s impossible not to be happy for a legend like Stan! 🇨🇭pic.twitter.com/RsQzmBt9un
— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) July 29, 2023
Stan Wawrinka was sidelined for his surgeries for so long, that he fell out of the top 300 ATP rankings. Since his return to the game, Stan has fought his way back into the top 100 rankings.
Wawrinka’s consecutive four straight-set wins have seen him move up 23 places in the rankings. He now sits at number 49. Stan showed off his brilliance against Lorenzo and will want to overcome Popyrin to win his 17th title.