Stan Wawrinka Beats Benjamin Hassan At Dubai Tennis Championships With Roger Federer In the Stands
Stan Wawrinka isn’t done yet. Not by a long shot. The 40-year-old Swiss veteran punched his ticket to the round of 16 at the ATP Dubai tournament with a composed 7-5, 6-3 victory over Lebanon’s Benjamin Hassan on Monday. And if you needed any more proof that Wawrinka still commands respect on tour, consider this: Roger Federer showed up to watch.
A Veteran’s Clinic
Wawrinka, currently ranked No. 99 in the world, faced Hassan (ATP 289) in a first-round match that could’ve been tricky. Both players entered on wild cards, but his experience shone through from the jump.
He broke Hassan once in each set—at 6-5 in the first and 3-1 in the second—and was surgical on break points, converting two of his three chances. Meanwhile, Hassan couldn’t capitalize on any of his three opportunities. Wawrinka sealed the deal on his first match point after just 73 minutes, looking sharp and in control throughout.
It was classic Wawrinka. This was his 15th win in his last 16 matches against players ranked outside the top 200. Not bad for a guy pushing 41.
Federer’s Front-Row Seat
Federer, who hasn’t competed professionally since his emotional farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup, has been making the rounds lately. He practiced with Casper Ruud at the Australian Open and even played a doubles exhibition. Now, he’s back in Dubai, a place where he practically owns the tournament. His eight titles between 2003 and 2019 will do that.
Seeing Federer in the stands wasn’t just a nostalgic moment for tennis fans; it was a full-circle nod to Swiss tennis royalty. Wawrinka and Federer weren’t just rivals—they were Davis Cup teammates, Olympic doubles gold medalists, and torch-bearers for Swiss tennis on the global stage.
What’s Next For Wawrinka?
Now Wawrinka faces a tougher test. In the round of 16, he’ll meet either Russian star Daniil Medvedev (ATP 11), the tournament’s third seed, or China’s Shang Juncheng (ATP 262). If it’s Medvedev, buckle up. The Russian is one of the toughest outs on tour. But if there’s one thing Wawrinka has proven over his storied career, it’s that he thrives when his back is against the wall.
Dubai holds a special place in Wawrinka’s heart, too. He won the title here back in 2016, adding to an already impressive trophy case. Could he channel that magic again? It’s a long shot, but you’d be foolish to count him out.
A Reminder That Age Is Just a Number
Wawrinka’s performance in Dubai is a reminder of something tennis fans sometimes forget: experience and grit can still trump youth and athleticism. He’s not trying to reinvent the wheel. He’s just out here doing what he’s always done. And with Federer cheering him on from the stands, it’s clear that the Swiss tennis legacy isn’t just alive—it’s thriving.
