Former No.1 player Andy Murray was ousted Sunday at the French Open. This was Murray’s first French Open appearance since 2020. The English player had reached the semifinals in 2014, 2015, and 2017. He was the runner-up in 2016, losing to Novak Djokovic in four sets. Andy Murray was defeated by Swiss player Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. Wawrinka lost in the second round last year and the first round in 2022.
This was a match between two tennis veterans who have been playing for 15+ years now. Murray turned pro in 2005 and Wawrinka turned pro in 2002. The two know each other well and have played many matches against each other over the years. Murray leads the career series 13-10. These two guys have been around in the age of players like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer. While they haven’t had the level of success that those guys have had, they’re in the middle tier.
This Could Be Andy Murray’s Last French Open
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This year is expected to be Andy Murray’s final year playing on the tour. At 37, he is getting to the age where many players decide to hang it up. He said in February that he plans not to “play much past this summer.” He will play in the Summer Olympics in Paris for Great Britain, though.
It was not even a sure thing that Murray was going to play at the French Open at all this year after he ruptured ankle ligaments this March at the Miami Open. Murray has had a lackluster season, holding only a 5-9 record in 2024.
It is apparent that Andy Murray is getting older because his play has fallen off. He has not done well recently. He lost to No. 85 ranked Yannick Hanfmann in the Geneva Open, and lost to Gregoire Barrere at a challenger event in Bordeaux. Murray didn’t play very strong in 2023 either, going 16- 17. Murray currently ranks 75th in the world.
“Physically, tennis is not easy for me these days. It’s hard, and clay has been a surface since the beginning of my career, I’ve had back issues on the clay, and it’s something I’m used to.”
As is a problem with many tennis players and athletes of other sports, injuries and declining physical fitness are what derail and end their careers.
Match Stats Breakdown
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Both players didn’t have a great first-serve percentage. Andy Murray made 56% of his first serves, and Stan Wawrinka made 54%. Murray won 71% of first-serve points, and Wawrinka beat him in that department, winning 79% of his first-serve points. Murray had five aces to Wawrinka’s three.
The key to this match was break points. Stan Wawrinka converted four of his ten break-point chances, while Andy Murray was zero for two. Stan’s bigger frame helps him get more power on his serve and makes it more of a weapon. The total number of points won was pretty close. Wawrinka won 92 points to Murray’s 78. When the points mattered, Wawrinka stepped up.
The Swiss player broke early in each set to set the tone. He was not to be denied while receiving in this match, converting 40% of his break-point chances.
“I think I played my best match of the year. I think I was feeling good. I was moving well. I was playing aggressive,” Wawrinka commented. “I liked the conditions, and I’m super happy with the performance and the level. It’s really positive for me.”
Stan Wawrinka controlled this match with his signature one-handed backhand. Most players opt for the two-handed backhand as it is easier to control and gets more power, but Stan the Man handles it beautifully and uses it to his advantage. There is something very smooth and impressive about executing a one-handed backhand. Other notable players who used a one-handed backhand include fellow Swiss tennis player Roger Federer.
The match had a turning point when Andy Murray’s movement seemed to be more restricted in the third set. Wawrinka took advantage of this and recorded two service breaks. In total, Wawrinka won 31 receiving points to Murray’s 28.
This was Stan Wawrinka’s third consecutive win against Andy Murray.
This was a match of old-timers because it was the second-oldest matchup at the French Open this century behind 40-year-old Ivo Karlovic and 37-year-old Feliciano Lopez in the first round in 2o19.
Stan Wawrinka’s next match will be against either Cameron Norrie or Pavel Kotov on Wednesday.
About The Author
Cooper Sherman is an avid NFL fan and enjoys watching and covering it the most. The NFL is king. He previously wrote and was a podcaster for the online publications Pro Sports Fanatics and Jersey Column. He is also an NBA fan and watches it occasionally, more when the NFL season ends. Tennis is also an underrated sport to watch. His teams are the Patriots and Celtics, as tough as it is to be a Patriots fan right now. He is optimistic that Jerod Mayo will turn this team in the right direction! Follow him on Instagram and Threads @coopstershermy456, and X/Twitter @justcoopthings.
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