Stan Wawrinka showed why he earned the nickname ‘Stan The Man’ on Thursday evening in Metz.

Despite letting slip a match point in the second set, the former World No. 3 stunned top seed Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-7(7), 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Moselle Open. It was the 37-year-old’s first Top 10 win since the 2020 Rolex Paris Masters against Andrey Rublev.

It all seemed to be going wrong when the Swiss star missed his opportunity to close out the match in the second-set tie-break. At 6/5, both players remained neutral in the rally, striking the ball with margin down the middle of the court. Wawrinka broke that pattern by trying to rip a backhand, which he slightly mishit and pulled wide.

When Medvedev clawed through the tie-break to force a decider, momentum was fully on the former World No. 1’s side. But Wawrinka turned it back in his favour by surging ahead 3-0 in the final set.

“At the end of the tie-break I was a little bit frustrated because I started to hesitate a little bit on my shots,” Wawrinka said in his on-court interview. “He is one of the best defensive players, so when you don’t go completely through the ball without thinking too much and it is difficult. I made a few mistakes but I think in general it was a super good level from me. I am super happy with the win.”

Medvedev battled hard to get back on serve, and he saved another match point when Wawrinka served for the match at 5-3. But the three-time major winner held his nerve to triumph after two hours and 21 minutes. With his victory, the Swiss star has levelled his ATP Head2Head series against Medvedev at 2-2.

“We always have some great battles,” Wawrinka said. “He is at the top of the rankings. One of the best players and nicest person outside of the court, so it is always great to play against each other.”

Wawrinka will next play Swede Mikael Ymer, who eliminated home favourite Gregoire Barrere 6-4, 6-3.

In another blockbuster matchup earlier in the day, second seed Hubert Hurkacz defeated former World No. 3 Dominic Thiem 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 16 minutes. The Pole hit 12 aces and saved the two break points he faced.

Thiem entered the match in good form after reaching an ATP Challenger Tour final last week in Rennes and defeating Richard Gasquet in the first round in Metz. But Hurkacz played too well on the day to take a 3-0 lead in their ATP Head2Head series and set a clash against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, who ousted Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 7-6(11), 6-3.

Another Frenchman, former Top 10 star Gilles Simon, was unable to move on in his final Metz appearance. Italian Lorenzo Sonego beat Simon 7-6(2), 6-4 and will next face American Sebastian Korda, who advanced on Wednesday.

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All three of Wawrinka and Medvedev’s previous matches came at majors. Their ATP Head2Head series is now level at 2-2.

For more than 20 years, Roger Federer lit up the ATP Tour. The Swiss star spent 310 weeks at No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings and won 20 Grand Slam titles as he rewrote the record books with his precise and seemingly effortless style.

On Friday, the 41-year-old will strike his final shots when he takes to court in a doubles match at the Laver Cup in London. With the world set to watch, no one will have a better view than longtime rival and friend Rafael Nadal, who will partner Federer in the clash for Team Europe.

“Tomorrow [is] going [to] be a special thing,” Nadal said during Thursday’s pre-tournament press conference. “I think a very difficult, difficult one. [It is] going to be difficult to handle everything, especially for Roger, without a doubt. For me too. In the end, [he is] one of the most important players, if not the most important player in my tennis career and [he is] leaving. This moment will be difficult. Of course I am super excited and grateful to play with him.”

Nadal soared onto the scene in 2005 at a time when Federer had already won four Grand Slam titles. Despite the Swiss being a dominant force at the time, Nadal immediately troubled Federer, winning six of their first seven meetings. They would go on to play 40 times, pushing each other to their limits in titanic battles. For the Spaniard, his relationship with Federer is very special.

“I think the memories that Roger brings to the sport, in my personal way, are not only the matches against me. I saw him playing comfortably before I arrived on Tour,” Nadal said. “I saw him having success on TV, and then I was able to have an amazing, create an amazing rivalry together.

“On the other hand, something that we are very proud of is [that it] has been a friendly rivalry. Not easy sometimes, because we are playing for such important things for our tennis career, but at the same time we were able to understand that in the end, personal relationships are more important than sometimes professional things. We were able to handle it I think the proper way.”

Nadal later added: “He is probably one of the most if not the most important player in the history of this sport that is leaving after super great and super long career.”

Federer will end his historic 25-year career surrounded by players he has called rivals for many seasons. Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Matteo Berrettini and alternate Cameron Norrie are all competing for Team Europe this week and will be on the sidelines to cheer Federer on during his last dance at The O2.

Murray is relishing the occasion and the opportunity to say goodbye to a legend of the sport.

“I think tomorrow is going to be an incredible atmosphere,” said Murray, who will face Alex de Minaur before the doubles match. “Obviously playing in the night session before Roger and Rafa, I think it’s going to be really special.”

Djokovic faced Federer 50 times and is looking forward to competing with the Swiss star one final time.

“I think as everybody said, this is probably the most special moment that I guess we all individually and collectively experienced or will experience,” Djokovic said. “Laver Cup is the only competition where we get a chance to be teammates and not rivals and things being even more unique and special because of Roger’s last match. So the excitement is incredible.

“Most of us have watched and admired Roger’s success and achievements before coming on the Tour. Some later, some earlier. But we will do our best to contribute to the team and a good performance, but at the same time marvel and celebrate his career, because he deserves it in a great way.”

The Serbian faced Federer in his first Grand Slam final in 2007 at the US Open. Despite losing, Djokovic recalled the clash as one of his most memorable against the Swiss.

“I’ll pick my first Grand Slam final, US Open 2007,” Djokovic said. “I lost that match. That was the first Grand Slam final obviously, was [a] remarkable experience for me at the time. Kind of the first match that allowed me to believe that I belonged to that level.”

Nadal revealed that the 2017 Australian Open final stands out from his matches against the Swiss maestro, while Murray recalled the epic 2008 Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal as a personal highlight.

“I think honestly the 2017 final in Australia was [a] very special one, because [of the] significance,” Nadal said. “[A] few months before we were together, injured, talking about… how the things are going to be, if we are going to be able to be back on The tour at this level, and few months later we are playing the final in Australia, five-set match.”

“I was actually in the stands watching the Rafa & Roger Wimbledon final,” Murray said. “I actually left when it started raining, and I missed the end. I watched it obviously at home, but for me, I went in with some of my friends to watch that one, to watch that one live. I know it’s probably the obvious one, but for me, that would be a match that obviously sticks out and one I was actually present at.”

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Roger Federer will team with longtime rival and friend Rafael Nadal on Friday at the Laver Cup in what the former World No. 1 confirmed on Twitter would be his final tour-level match.

The Swiss and Spaniard will take to court against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at The 02 in London following the conclusion of Andy Murray’s match against Alex de Minaur, which will start at 7 p.m. local time.

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“I am not sure if I will be able to handle it all but I will try,” Federer said during Team Europe’s post-tournament press conference. “I’ve had some tough moments in the past, being horribly nervous. All these years. This match feels a whole lot different. Playing with Rafa feels really different.”

“To be part of this historic moment is amazing and unforgettable for me,” Nadal said during the press conference. “I am super excited and I hope I can play at a good level. Hopefully, together we can create a good moment and hopefully win a match.”

Tomorrow night. My last match. Doubles with @RafaelNadal 💪🏽❤️ https://t.co/7yPwmtvTiJ

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 22, 2022

Last week, the 103 tour-level titlist Federer announced that the Laver Cup will be the final tournament of his career. The three-day event, which starts on Friday, sees Team Europe face Team World in a series of singles and doubles matches.

Casper Ruud, Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Djokovic, Murray, Federer, Matteo Berrettin and alternate Cameron Norrie will represent Team Europe at The O2, with captain Bjorn Borg leading the side.

Captain John McEnroe will be aiming to guide Team World to its first victory against Team Europe. Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, Diego Schwartzman, Alex de Minaur, Tiafoe, Sock and alternate Tommy Paul make up his squad.

Third seed Marcos Giron and seventh seed James Duckworth booked the first two quarter-final places on offer at the San Diego Open with a pair of Wednesday wins. The Wimbledon doubles partners are now set to square off on Friday in what will be their first ATP Head2Head meeting.

Dressed in an all-black kit with a sleeveless shirt, Giron earned a 6-4, 6-3 victory against Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry to close the day’s play on the Barnes Tennis Center’s stadium court. Australia’s Duckworth secured a 6-3, 7-6(4) result against American Mitchell Krueger earlier in the Grandstand.

“Tomas is a great player. He’s Top 100 for a reason,” said Giron, who’s lived in San Diego for five years. “It’s tough, slow conditions and it’s physical. I’m really happy to get the win and I’m pumped to keep going forward.”

Playing in his native California, Giron will seek his second tour-level quarter-final of 2022 (Dallas), and the third of his career, against Duckworth. The American broke into the Top 50 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings in May, achieving a career-high of No. 49 after reaching the Rome third round as a lucky loser.

He could rise as high as No. 43 by winning his first ATP Tour title this week, according to the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings.

The San Diego opening round concluded with four matches on Wednesday. Sixth seed Alejandro Tabilo scored a 7-5, 6-2 win against American Steve Johnson, while Christopher O’Connell advanced past fellow Aussie Jason Kubler courtesy of a retirement after the pair split sets.

Ahead of Giron, Mackenzie McDonald earned the first singles win for Team USA with a 6-0, 6-2 decision against Henri Laaksonen on the show court. Colombia’s Daniel Elahi Galan edged Marc-Andrea Huesler — a surprise finalist in Winston-Salem in August — 6-3, 7-5 in the Grandstand.

In doubles action, top seeds Santiago Gonzalez and Andres Molteni scored a 6-3, 7-5 win against Americans Evan King and Denis Kudla, while third seeds Nicolas Barrientos and Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela survived a Match Tie-break to beat Keegan Smith and Sem Verbeek 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 10-7.

Long bound for the history books, Roger Federer’s epic rivalries with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal can now be viewed in their totality as the Swiss pens the final pages of his storied ATP Tour career.

A triumvirate internationally known as the Big Three, the sporting legends have dominated tennis’ biggest stages, taking the game to an unprecedented level. The three most decorated players of all time have forged their careers in parallel, with 63 Grand Slam titles between them to date.

On his road to greatness, Federer lifted his game in the presence of his two greatest rivals. He faced Nadal, five years his junior, 40 times. He met Djokovic, six years younger, on 50 occasions.

ATPTour.com takes a look back at some key moments in Federer’s two biggest rivalries on tour.

Federer vs Nadal Rivalry

H2H: 24-16 Nadal
Grand Slam encounters: 10-4 Nadal
Grand Slam Finals: 6-3 Nadal
Nitto ATP Finals encounters: 4-1 Federer
ATP Masters 1000 encounters: 12-7 Nadal
ATP Masters 1000 finals: 7-5 Nadal
Encounters in finals: 14-10 Nadal

Some rivalries transcend their sport and it is impossible to contemplate modern tennis without Roger Federer’s rivalry with Rafael Nadal. At a time when he was the dominant force and undisputed No. 1, Federer found himself faced with a new rival with the breakthrough of Nadal, who had been ready since adolescence to leave an indelible mark on the circuit. In total, the two players met 40 times, taking tennis to new levels of excellence and popularity.

The impulsiveness of the Spaniard always provided the perfect foil to the natural talent of the Swiss, a clash of styles that produced an enticing spectacle. The speed of Nadal, a player as physically strong as he is tactically adept, contrasted with the magic hands of Federer, who was able to put the ball anywhere on the court.

Nadal never feared the great Federer, whom he beat in an unforgettable first match. On the courts of Miami in the 2004 season, before turning 20, Rafa emerged as a tactical conundrum for Roger. With a looping left-handed forehand straight to Federer’s backhand above his shoulder, the Spaniard was ready to break down the Tour’s dominant force. The Swiss, who was forced to improve his backhand wing to compete with Nadal, responded by winning the 2005 Miami final in five sets on the same stage. He got the win, but he also knew that he had found a special nemesis.

Nadal was ready to challenge Federer’s supremacy, and signs of a big rivalry came quickly. Before Federer could extend his mastery to clay, the Spaniard made sure he stamped his authority. Although the Swiss was the man to bring an end to Nadal’s 81 consecutive wins on the red dirt – the longest streak on one surface in the Open Era – Nadal was always fiercely dominant during this stretch of the season. He would take out Federer in three consecutive Roland Garros finals between 2006-08.

“If one of us didn’t exist, the other would have been more successful,” Nadal admitted. “But it’s also true that the rivalry has benefitted our international reach, because it has made the game more attractive to people. When a player wins all the time, it may be good for the player, but it’s not necessarily good for the sport. At the end of the day, what’s good for the sport must be good for both of us.”

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Having already contested two consecutive finals at Wimbledon, Nadal and Federer crossed swords once again on the London lawns for the third consecutive season in 2008. In one of the greatest matches in the sport’s history, Nadal overcame the Swiss, the champion of the grass Grand Slam for the past five years. The Spaniard’s five-set triumph confirmed that their rivalry would extend far beyond the confines of clay. A race against time had begun, it was history in the making.

By the time history repeated itself at the 2009 Australian Open, Nadal’s first major trophy on hard courts, their rivalry was in full flow. “God, this is killing me,” admitted a beaten Roger during the trophy ceremony.

When the world seemed resigned that Grand Slam finals between these two greats were a thing of the past – their last having come at Roland Garros in 2011, Nadal and Federer found themselves in the decider at the 2017 Australian Open. There, with the weight of history on his shoulders, the Swiss produced a five-set win for the ages thanks to a stinging backhand and new racquet, chosen in part to defend against the Spaniard’s forehand that had tormented the Swiss for so many years. Unexpectedly, Federer had another major, after a five-year drought, and another epic chapter against his most iconic rival.

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With impeccable professionalism, Federer resisted the passing of the years despite a dazzling career already under his belt, winning the last four finals he played against Nadal on Tour. Far from resigning himself to a changing of the guard, the Swiss’ competitiveness extended this once-in-a-lifetime rivalry.

Their last two meetings could not have been more fitting. A win for Nadal at Roland Garros and one for Federer at Wimbledon, the stages where these two legends had built the foundations of their respective legacies brought their joint masterpiece to a close.

“I’ve always had the utmost respect for my friend Rafa as a person and a champion,” said Federer. “My rival for many years, I think we have forced each other to be better players. I’ve seen many hardworking and inspiring players, but in my opinion you were the most influential of all. You helped me become the player I am today.”

Roger Federer vs. Novak Djokovic

H2H: 27-23 Djokovic
Grand Slam encounters: 11-6 Djokovic
Grand Slam finals: 4-1 Djokovic
Nitto ATP Finals encounters: 3-3
ATP Masters 1000 encounters: 11-9 Djokovic
ATP Masters 1000 finals: 5-3 Djokovic
Encounters in finals: 13-6 Djokovic

In another epic rivalry that brought equal measure of delight and heartbreak, Federer battled Djokovic more times than any other player on Tour, with a total of 50 astonishingly intense clashes in their ATP Head2Head series. Djokovic is the only player to have beaten Federer at all the majors and the Swiss is the only one to have done likewise to Novak.

While Federer came out on top of their first four encounters, taking 10 consecutive sets from a youthful Djokovic in 2006-2007 during a time when he was the undisputed No. 1, the Serbian channelled the experience into one of the most intense assaults the sport has seen.

From that moment on, they occupied a leading role in the fight to be the best on tour, only crossing paths when the biggest prizes were at stake. The following 46 clashes that made up their rivalry included only semi-finals, finals and the Nitto ATP Finals, with Djokovic claiming a 27-23 edge overall.

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Their two semi-finals at the US Open, where the two players pushed one another to their limits in 2010 and 2011 and the stunning survival skills of Djokovic were in full effect, will live on long in the memories of tennis lovers. In both five-set matches, at one of Roger’s happiest hunting grounds, where he had claimed five consecutive titles (2004-2008), Novak dug his heels in, saving match points under the floodlights of New York.

The 2011 season was an especially intense one for both players. In one of the most astonishing seasons of all time, Djokovic extended his winning streak to 43 matches, a historic run that ended in the semi-finals of the French Open. There, with an opportunity to underline his authority, Federer came out on top of one of their most epic encounters, lifting a finger to the sky once victory was his, a reminder that the No. 1 spot was perhaps not the exclusive property of the Serb.

In a rivalry that travelled around the world, London played a vital role. Djokovic claimed the Nitto ATP Finals trophy against Roger in 2012, 2014 and 2015, a sign of both players’ ability to stand out on indoor courts, and the two would become the great modern dominant forces of the tournament that caps off the season. Roger’s final win there, in the group stage in 2019, underlined his ability to square off against the strongest players even as he approached his 40s.

England’s capital is also home to the lawns of Wimbledon, where they have produced some unforgettable battles at the most traditional event on the Tour. When Federer won their epic five-set semi-final in 2012 before reclaiming the No. 1 spot, Djokovic’s response was resounding. The Serbian is the only player who has beaten the Swiss in three Wimbledon finals (2014, 2015, 2019), conquering the wonderland that Roger had made his own.

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The last of those clashes, during which he saved two match points on the return, and which reached 12-12 in the deciding set, was one of the pinnacles of their rivalry. With a ninth Wimbledon trophy within his grasp, the defeat was arguably the toughest moment in the Swiss player’s career.

The greatest stages have provided the backdrop for their history together on court. A total of 20 ties at ATP Masters 1000 events, in which they have faced each other at every one of the category’s events bar Madrid, took their rivalry to every corner of the globe. They played finals in Indian Wells, Shanghai, Canada, Rome and Cincinnati (four times).

“We’ve played some incredible matches,” acknowledged Federer. “Whenever I go on court against him, the match is brutal. It’s exciting because it goes beyond the match, it transcends the sport.

“Novak plays perfectly on every surface. He always brings an extremely high level, to beat him you have to play your best. He moves wonderfully and I have great coordination so we are a good match for one another.

“Rivalries are important in sport. I think they help make it more popular. You always need someone with whom you can have a good rivalry. Fortunately, I was able to have one with Djokovic. We brought the best out in one another.”

Roger Federer’s tremendous influence on the game of tennis will last long after he plays his final match, his legacy forever linked with the sport. But to some, the Swiss’ greatest impact has stemmed from his charity work.

Federer has dedicated his time and resources to many charitable causes throughout his career. He formalised his efforts in 2003 with the creation of the Roger Federer Foundation, with a focus on supporting educational projects in his native Switzerland and southern Africa, the latter near to his heart due to his South African mother.

Nearly 2 million children have benefitted from the foundation’s programmes, with $70.5 million spent towards initiatives at 9,300 primary schools and preschools. By providing physical and financial assistance, the organisation aims to provide a strong educational foundation for underprivileged children and their families — a foundation which can serve as a springboard to a better life.

“I think once we intervene and we help the people, it’s that once we leave, they are sustainable by themselves,” Federer said in 2017, as the foundation approached 1 million children reached. “It could be in any field. It’s just that we have empowered them, we have made them stronger. We gave them advice, tips, helped them financially. But mostly, they helped themselves. And because of our help, now it is sustainable.”

Looking back on one particular trip during which he cooked maize with children and their families at a school, Federer recalled the excitement in the air as the participants learned such a practical skill. 

“I love empowerment, just in general. Making somebody a stronger person and then that person being able to do it on their own is a wonderful thing,” Federer said. “A little push can really do wonders and we’re going to keep doing that for years to come.”

Federer visits Malawi in 2015. Photo Credit: Roger Federer Foundation

In 2019, the foundation pivoted from its educational mission to provide critical assistance to thousands who were displaced by Cyclone Idai. All of the foundation’s six model preschools in Malawi were converted into evacuation centers, with assistance also provided to vulnerable populations in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Federer’s foundation donated $1 million to provide meals for young children and their families in Africa — feeding 64,000 disadvantaged people. Federer and his wife, Mirka, personally donated more than $1 million to vulnerable families in Switzerland.

“Now more than ever we must come together to help families in need,” the Swiss said on Twitter.

Federer has been absent from ATP Tour competition since Wimbledon 2021, but his charitable work never stopped.

While the Swiss missed out on that summer’s Tokyo Olympics with injury, he raised $4.7 million in a two-phased auction to raise funds for his foundation, auctioning off personal memorabilia including gear he wore and used in winning his 20 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.

More recently, in May 2022, Federer visited Malawi to meet children, caregivers, teachers, and parents involved with the School Readiness Programme, an initiative launched in 2020 by his foundation in partnership with local organisations. The programme is currently working with 900 community-based childcare centres, helping them collaborate with local stakeholders to push for improved access to formal early education for children living in poverty in the nation of nearly 20 million people.

“Wonderful to see that we are having a real impact on the ground with the @rogerfederer.foundation,” Federer wrote on Instagram. “Access to quality early education is crucial as it is the foundation of all learning. I am so happy I made my way to Malawi.”

Federer was appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2006 after supporting the organisation when the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami struck in 2004. He also received the ATP’s Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award in 2006 and 2013.

In 2010, he organised the first of six “Match for Africa” exhibitions, which saw him compete against the likes of Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka — and three times alongside American businessman Bill Gates in doubles action. He also organised the Hit for Haiti in 2010 in response to the earthquake in Haiti that year, and was part of the Rally for Relief at the 2020 Australian Open following the devastating bushfires in the nation.

The Swiss legend’s attitude towards philanthropy is best described by a quote he provided on the foundation’s website: “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”

The stars of the 2022 Laver Cup dressed up on Wednesday evening to take part in the events official group photo, gathering by the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London before play begins Friday at The O2.

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray were among the players who boarded a boat on the River Thames before posing by the UK landmarks ahead of the tournament.

Federer and Murray shared a joke before travelling to the Tower of London.

The event, which sees Team Europe face Team World in a combination of singles and doubles matches, was founded by Federer in 2017 and named after Rod Laver. The Australian, who won 11 major titles joined the teams for the shoot, pictured below on the boat as it passed The O2.

Casper Ruud, Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Djokovic, Murray, Federer and alternate Matteo Berrettini will represent Team Europe at The O2, with captain Bjorn Borg leading the side.

Captain John McEnroe will be aiming to guide Team World to its first victory against Team Europe. Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, Diego Schwartzman, Alex de Minaur, Frances Tiafoe, Jack Sock and alternate Tommy Paul make up his squad.

Before the serious business commences in London on Friday, the players and captains shared jokes and played games as they took in the London scenery.

Borg, Captain of Team Europe, Enqvist, Vice-Captain of Team Europe and Ruud of Team Europe took a selfie by the River Thames.

Djokovic and McEnroe cracked a joke before departing for the Tower of London.

Sock, De Minaur, Schwartzman and Murray played a game of cornhole to pass the time.

Murray and McEnroe caught up ahead of the start of the Laver Cup.

Tiafoe and De Minaur struck a pose in front of Tower Bridge.

Photo Credits: Julian Finney/Cameron Smith/Getty Images for Laver Cup