Wawrinka Downs Opelka In Rome For First Win In 15 Months

Former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka earned his first tour-level win since February 2021 Monday, rallying past American Reilly Opelka 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 to reach the second round at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome.

The Swiss star was competing in just his second ATP Tour match in 14 months but showcased quality and grit throughout, hammering forehands and blasting his trademark backhand with precision to advance after two hours and five minutes.

The 37-year-old looked down and out when he trailed the big-serving American 2-4 in the second set. However, he started to consistently find Opelka’s feet on return and began to close the net more effectively to turn the match around in front of a lively crowd and level his ATP Head2Head series with the World No. 17 at 1-1.

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Wawrinka will next face Laslo Djere or Borna Coric as he looks to work his way back to full fitness after being sidelined since March 2021 with a foot injury. The 16-time tour-level titlist made his ATP Tour return against Alexander Bublik in Monte Carlo in April.

Before his victory over Opelka, Wawrinka had not earned a match win since he defeated Pedro Sousa at the 2021 Australian Open.

Opelka, who reached the semi-finals in Rome last year, captured his first clay-court title in Houston last month.