Wawrinka Defeats Rublev to Secure Spot in Stockholm Semis

Three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka turned back the clock on Friday, defeating top-seeded Andrey Rublev to secure a spot in the Stockholm semi-finals. The 39-year-old, currently ranked 217th in the world, overcame Rublev, who is ranked seventh, in two tie-break sets, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5), marking his first victory over a top-10 player this year.

Wawrinka will now face the fourth-seeded American, Tommy Paul, who won the Stockholm title in 2021. Paul advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic 7-6 (9/7), 6-2.

“I can’t change my age, but what’s most important is that when I step on the court, I always fight,” said Wawrinka, who is the third-oldest player to reach a semi-final in modern ATP Tour history, following Jimmy Connors and Ivo Karlovic. “I continue to improve and enjoy what I do. Matches like this, with the crowd’s energy, are why I keep going. I’m thrilled to have the chance to play another match tomorrow.”

The former world number three delivered 14 aces and capitalized on his first match point to reach the Stockholm semi-final for the first time in his career, after four attempts.

“The key was staying focused and positive,” said Wawrinka, who allowed a 2-0 lead in the second set to slip but held on. He is aiming for his 17th ATP title and first since winning in Geneva in 2017.

Wawrinka’s Grand Slam victories include the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016.

Rublev, on the other hand, saw his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals take a hit. The 26-year-old Russian currently holds the eighth spot, but with four players—including Paul—still in the running this week, his position is under threat.