Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka will be facing each other for the 18th time in their careers and for the second straight year in the French Open semifinals when they meet again on Friday.
Murray is leading the head-to-head series 10-7 after beating Wawrinka twice in 2016, including at Roland Garros via a 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 decision. The top-ranked Scot also cruised 6-4, 6-2 at the World Tour Finals en route to the title there and the year-end No. 1 ranking.
This season has been a considerably different story for Murray, but he remains comfortably atop the rankings thanks in part to Novak Djokovic’s slump. Although the three-time Grand Slam champion is a mediocre 21-7 in 2017, he is picking up the pace this fortnight. Murray booked a spot in the semis for the fifth time in his last six appearances with wins over Andrey Kuznetsov, Martin Klizan, Juan Martin Del Potro, Karen Khachanov, and Kei Nishikori.
“As you get through the matches, you gain in confidence,” the No. 1 seed explained after beating Nishikori. “I didn’t feel like I played great tennis today. It’s a huge step in the right direction for me. Anyone can win matches when they are playing well; it’s winning when you’re not playing your best (that) is more impressive. So I’m happy about that.”
“I think he’s struggling a little bit since the beginning of the year,” Wawrinka said of Murray, “but he’s in the semifinal. So a champion like him, when they find a way to win matches, he’s playing better and better. So I expect him to play his best tennis…. It’s going to be interesting match, for sure. Last year I was playing really well. I was confident. He was playing better than me I remember on that court. In the semifinal, he was really aggressive in his game. He was pushing me all the time, so (it) was tough for me to find any solution last year.
“But again, it’s a different year.”
Wawrinka has what Murray still lacks–a Coupe des Mousquetaires. The third-ranked Swiss triumphed at this tournament in 2015 and made a return trip to the semis last spring before falling to Murray. Wawrinka has not been at his absolute best in 2017, but he is heating up at just the right time. His nine-match winning streak includes a title in Geneva and victories this fortnight over Jozef Kovalik, Alexandr Dolgopolov, Fabio Fognini, Gael Monfils, and Marin Cilic. Like Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem on the other side of the draw, Wawrinka has not dropped a single set.
It is no surprise that Murray got away with rather pedestrian performances against Nishikori and in his first two matches. That will not cut it against Wawrinka, who always plays better in majors than he does at other events and is 17-1 in his last 18 matches at Roland Garros.
Pick: Wawrinka in 4
[polldaddy poll=9763935]
The crowd are definitely rooting for WaWa.
And Andy has upped his level. Looking like it will be a 5-setter
Andy breaks. Andy showing strength of mind.
This is what I have not seen from Andy. Staying tough and fighting back. He’s returning well, too.
This looks like it’s going to be a dog fight.
Stan still has that wicked one handed backhand.
Now Stan has two break points.
At this pace the match won’t be over before 5 pm… ?
Murray being more aggressive.
Deuce now. These two really going at it.
Now that’s how you use the drop shot!
Both guys really bringing it.
What a match!
Bad miss from Murray to get broken again.
This thing looks like it’s going the distance.
Brilliant point from Stan.
Another blistering forehand from Stan to fight off break point.
Murray answers by breaking again with a brilliant backhand of his own! This is the best he’s looked in a long time.
The smartest move WaWa ever made was managing to lure Magnus Norman away from Andy to be his coach.
4 consecutive breaks with a laser of a CC BH by Murray
Murray showing how to use the drop shot now.
Impressive from Murray. This match can still go either way. 55:45 in favour of Wawrinka.
Lovely hold, showing defensive brilliance. hehe 4-4
Never mind about what I said about Stan improving his focus.
WaWa getting rattled but he held strong and saved the break points. Andy missed his chances and now has to hold his serve or it will be a long way back.
This match is on a tight rope.
I’m at work sneaking to the bathroom 15 times to watch this awesome match on my cell phone
Murray has a chance here at 0-30.
This is just the entree for Nadal/Theim. That match could be a classic for the ages.
Is that match going to follow this one? Because this one looks to be going awhile.
Wow. Andy pulls off the break. All he has to do is serve out this set.
Wow, a wall-like Andy is depressing Wawa! Great from Andy! Now he is taking this set to lead 2:1!! This might as well be it for Wawa.,,
Murray ain’t no.1 for no reason. Defense and tenacity is of the highest order.
Woohohohoho!….Sir Andy is awesome!!Rafa will have his hands full if both can make it to the final!!
Wow! Andy gets the fourth set!
Hehe! Third NNY
Nny can’t wait to see her darling play obviously!!Hehe..
THIRD!
I got it! THIRD!
Yes I can’t wait for Rafa!
Wawrinka’s got too passive.
Wawrinka will go into God mode next set, hopefully.
There’s no punch to the temple now wawa??
You said it MA……..
ed!…I have to say sorry to wawa’s fan..but i think put a finger or punch his temple is a little bit OTT…