Wawrinka Survives To Beat Klizan In Melbourne
Wawrinka Survives To Beat Klizan In Melbourne
Former champion made to work hard on day one
Stan Wawrinka lived to fight another day on Monday night at the Australian Open.
The fourth seed and 2014 titlist drew upon his big-match experience to come back from a break deficit in the deciding set to edge Martin Klizan 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 in three hours and 24 minutes on Margaret Court Arena.
”It was tough one, for sure,” said Wawrinka. “But I’m really happy to get through in five sets. It wasn’t my best tennis today, but I was fighting, trying to stay in the game. I think he was playing well. He didn’t give me too much rhythm. He made me play not my best tennis. I’m happy to get through, that’s the most important thing.”
Wawrinka maintained his record of never having lost in the first round at Melbourne Park after he struck 21 aces past Klizan, who finished with a forehand error to see his losing streak extend to 10 matches. It was their first meeting for almost seven years (2010 Casablanca).
The 31-year-old Wawrinka, who beat Rafael Nadal for the trophy three years ago, goes on to play Steve Johnson, a straight sets winner over Federico Delbonis earlier in the day.
Nick Kyrgios, the No. 14 seed, committed only 17 unforced errors as he cruised past Gastao Elias 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 in 84 minutes for a place in the second round for the fourth straight year. He next faces veteran Andreas Seppi. “I think I reserved a lot of energy,” said Kyrgios, who experienced sinus problems. “I was actually really impressed with the way I served, the way I returned.”
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Steve Darcis withstood 19 aces from the racquet of Sam Groth in a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory. The Belgian, who has risen nine spots to No. 71 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, goes on to face Diego Schwartzman, who beat his fellow South American, No. 22 seed Pablo Cuevas, 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in 82 minutes.