Stan slams into first semi-final in 15 months

Stan Wawrinka took advantage of the trademark temper of Andrey Rublev to saddle the ATP No. 7 with a 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) defeat on Friday to book his first semi-final since summer 2023.

The 39-year-old Swiss pounded 14 aces in a Stockholm Open quarter-final win which lasted for just under two hours at the Kungligahalle, the country’s royal tennis centre.

Wawrinka, winner of three Grand Slam titles, had not played in the final four on Tour since Umag 15 months ago.

The veteran earned his first win over a top 10 opponent since defeating Frances Tiafoe at Cincinnati a year ago in August.

Wawrinka swept to victory over the often-fragile Rublev, who randomly  screamed at himself and swiped his racquet on the hardcourt without breaking it during a few heated moments in defeat.

Wawrinka struck 33 winners as he advanced on his first match points – a bachand winner down the line..

“The key was to stay focused and positive with myself,” he said. “I felt well on the court and was moving well.

“It’s also easier to fight on the court with all of this crowd support.”

The 217th-ranked Swiss, coached by former Swedish player Magnus Norman, last won three matches in a row in Umag, 2023, where he lost the final to Alexei Popyrin.

“I hope to keep going and play more matches like this,” the winner said. “I’m super happy to get one more tomorrow.”

He will compete on Saturday in his 64th ATP-level semi-final when he faces fourth seed Tommy Paul.

Main photo:-Stan Wawrinka celebrates reaching Stockholm semi-final by ATPTour.com