At 40 years and five months, Stan Wawrinka can still play competitive tennis and chase titles. One of the oldest remaining players on the ATP Tour reached the Rennes Challenger final last week.
The veteran became the second-oldest Challenger finalist after Ivo Karlovic. Trying to become the oldest Challenger champion, Stam suffered a 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Hugo Gaston, who sealed the deal in an hour and 25 minutes for his fifth Challenger title.
The Frenchman played better behind the first and second serve. Gaston denied four of five break points and turned 40% of the return points into three breaks from seven opportunities.
The younger player served well in the opening set and kept the pressure on the other side. They needed 18 minutes to complete the opening six games. Stan missed a game point at 3-3 and suffered a break after Hugo's forehand down the line winner.
The Frenchman landed a service winner in game eight and served for the opener at 5-4. Gaston held after Wawrinka's backhand error, wrapping up the first part of the duel in 35 minutes.
The home player made another push on the return in first game of the second set and clinched a break on the third opportunity. Stan stepped in on the return in game four and converted the fourth break point with a fine attack to level the score at 2-2.
The Swiss played poorly in game five, losing serve at love and falling behind again. Gaston served well in games six and eight and forged a 5-3 advantage. Wawrinka served to stay in the match in game nine and squandered game points.
He denied a match point and held for more action. Stan saved another match point on the return at 4-5 and created a break chance. Gaston saved it with a fine backhand and seized the third match point with a service winner for his fifth Challenger title.
