Stan Wawrinka is still capable of playing high-quality tennis well after turning 40. The Swiss made a winning debut at the ATP 250 event in Athens, ousting Botic van de Zandschulp 2-6, 7-6, 7-5 in two hours and 20 minutes.
The veteran secured his fourth ATP victory of the season and arranged the second-round clash against the 2nd seed, Lorenzo Musetti. The Swiss made a slow start before raising his level from the second set.
He prevailed in the tie break and denied early break points in the third set before prevailing with a late break that propelled him over the top. The Dutchman claimed 11 points more thanks to the opening set.
He hit more winners than unforced errors and welcomed 40 mistakes from the veteran. However, Stan took the pivotal points to seal the deal and make a winning start.
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They stayed neck and neck in service winners, firing almost 80, while Botic dominated from the baseline. Still, Wawrinka found a way to emerge at the top and extend his incredible legacy.
Van de Zandschulp landed a volley winner in the first game of the duel for an early break. He secured another break in the fifth game with a backhand winner to extend the lead.
Botic served for the opener at 5-2 and converted the third set point to wrap up the first part of the duel in 30 minutes. Stan saved a break point in the first game of the second set and followed the rival's pace.
They served well in the next 11 games and introduced a tie break. Van de Zandschulp sprayed a double fault in the sixth point before pulling the mini-break back at 3-5 for more drama.
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The Dutchman missed a routine volley at the net in the tenth point and offered his rival two set points. The veteran converted the second with a smash winner at the net, introducing a decider after an hour and 28 minutes.
Botic barely lost a point on serve in the first five service games of the final set. He created two break points in the second game, and Stan denied them with powerful serves to remain on the positive side.
The Swiss drew the rival's error in the tenth game, locking the result at 5-5 and making a push on the return in the next one. The three-time Major winner fired a backhand down the line winner for two break points.
He converted the first after the rival's mistake to move 6-5 in front and serve for the win. Wawrinka provided a hold at 15 to seal the deal and emerge at the top.
