Wawrinka Crashes Out Early Against Harris at Bordeaux Challenger
At 40 years old, Stan Wawrinka is still making the most of the tour. The Swiss player was in Gironde to compete in the Bordeaux Challenger this week, continuing his recent run of French clay-court events.
Facing British player Billy Harris, ranked 105th in the world, in his opening match, the Vaud native hoped for an ideal start to his tournament and a chance to meet Tallon Griekspoor in the round of 16 for a marquee clash against a top-40 opponent.
After a strong start, the 2015 Roland Garros champion pulled ahead to lead 6-3, 1-0 with a break, but his momentum soon faltered. The 30-year-old Brit then won twelve of the last fourteen games, racing toward victory.
Invited by the tournament organizers, Wawrinka ultimately fell in under two hours (3-6, 6-2, 6-1), meaning Harris will now face the Dutchman for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Currently ranked 132nd in the ATP, the former world No. 3 failed to replicate his impressive run in Aix-en-Provence, where he narrowly lost in a thrilling final to Borna Coric (6-7, 6-3, 7-6).
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