Wawrinka Outlasts Tiafoe In Basel

Editor’s Note: Following this match, Stan Wawrinka announced that after hurting his lower back in the final game of his victory, he will be unable to compete in Friday’s quarter-finals. Roger Federer receives a walkover into the semi-finals.

Former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka survived a spirited effort from Next Gen ATP Finals qualifier Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals of the Swiss Indoors Basel.

If there were any doubts as to how much this match meant to Wawrinka, the Swiss star’s massive roar after Tiafoe shanked a forehand volley to end the battle answered them. The 34-year-old needed two hours and 34 minutes to dispatch the American and advance to the last eight of his home ATP 500 event for the fifth time. 

Tiafoe, the 2018 Delray Beach champion showed his variety of skills in his first meeting against Wawrinka, utilising his speed and athleticism throughout, while also going after his forehand from the baseline when he was presented with opportunities. Tthe Swiss even complimented his younger adversary when at one point he launched a forehand winner that registered at more than 100 miles per hour.

But in the second and third sets it felt as if Wawrinka was moving closer to a decisive breakthrough. Tiafoe saved all five break points he faced in the second set, coming up with clutch serves and fearless play. But despite converting just 12 of his 14 break points in the match, Wawrinka seized the moment at 6-5. Tiafoe dangerously came in to Wawrinka’s backhand with a slice approach on match point, allowing the Swiss plenty of time to rip his trademark shot, giving the American no time to react.

Wawrinka’s best previous performances in Basel came in 2006 and 2011, when he advanced to the semi-finals. The seventh seed is also trying to keep his ATP Race To London hopes alive. Currently in 14th place, Wawrinka, who trails eighth-placed Matteo Berrettini by 660 points, is trying to make his fifth appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals.