Wawrinka On Verge Of Victory, Stopped By Rain

Stan Wawrinka is spotting Brandon Nakashima 16 years in age but is just one game away from victory over the former Next Gen ATP Finals champion in the first round of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

The 38-year-old former three-time major champion was leading the 22-year-old American 6-3, 6-7(5), 5-2 when play was suspended due to rain around 7.50pm. Wawrinka, who received on-court treatment to his lower left leg, is making his first appearance of the North American hard-court swing.

Defending champion Borna Coric was leading American Sebastian Korda 7-6(5), 4-3 in their first-round match when rain returned to the Lindner Family Tennis Centre.

It has been a frustrating day for players and fans in Cincinnati, with rain delaying the start of play by more than 2 1/2 hours. Play has now been halted twice since the late start to Day 2.

Five matches have been completed today, including Felix Auger-Aliassime’s 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 win over Matteo Berrettini. Chilean Nicolas Jarry also rallied from a set down to defeat Wimbledon quarter-finalist Roman Safiullin 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Australian qualifier Jordan Thompson defeated American wild card John Isner 7-6(5), 7-6(2).

9.15 pm update: All matches that had not commenced before the rain delay have been cancelled for tonight. Weather permitting, the Wawrinka-Nakashima and Coric-Korda matches will resume tonight.