Former Champion Stan Wawrinka Bids Farewell to Monte Carlo with First-Round Defeat
In a poignant moment for tennis fans, Stan Wawrinka, a renowned three-time Grand Slam champion, officially exited the Monte Carlo Masters after succumbing to a 7-5, 7-5 defeat against Argentina’s Sebastian Baez in the opening round on Monday. This match marked a significant personal chapter for Wawrinka, as it was not only a first-round encounter but also the last appearance for the 41-year-old Swiss player at a tournament where he once clinched the title in 2014.
Wawrinka, who received a wild card entry into the tournament—two decades after his debut—reflected on his remarkable journey in Monaco. “It was a long time ago, but of course I remember it; it was exceptional,” he stated, recalling his memorable victory over compatriot Roger Federer that helped him secure his only 1000-level title. Tournament organizers honored Wawrinka with a video tribute, prompting him to reminisce about his past triumphs.
As he approached the match against the 65th-ranked Baez, Wawrinka had not played competitively since a loss to the eventual champion Daniil Medvedev in the last 16 at the Dubai Open in February. His preparation included a challenging defeat against unseeded Matteo Martineau in a clay challenger event in Naples, which further complicated his match readiness.
Wawrinka started strong on Court Rainier III, establishing an early 4-1 lead in the first set. However, Baez rallied back, ultimately leveling the score to 5-5 and then breaking Wawrinka’s serve to seize the first set. In the second set, Wawrinka struggled as Baez maintained control, eventually closing out the match after one hour and 47 minutes, even as Wawrinka mounted a spirited comeback.
With this victory, Baez has advanced to face world number one Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion of the Monte Carlo Masters, in the second round. Meanwhile, other players also made their mark in the tournament; Andrey Rublev, the 13th seed, survived a rollercoaster match against Nuno Borges, winning 6-4, 1-6, 6-1, securing a place in the round of 32 against Zizou Bergs. Bergs, ranked 47th in the world, defeated Adrian Mannarino in straight sets, further adding to the excitement of the tournament.
As the tennis community reflects on Wawrinka’s career, his contributions to the sport and his emotional farewell serve as a reminder of the legacy he leaves behind, affirming his status as one of the sport’s greats.
