Wawrinka Outlasts Tiafoe, Sets Federer Blockbuster In Basel

Former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka survived a spirited effort from Next Gen ATP Finals qualifier Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the quarter-finals of the Swiss Indoors Basel, setting a blockbuster showdown with nine-time champion Roger Federer.

If there were any doubts as to how much this match meant to Wawrinka, the Swiss star’s massive roar after Tiafoe shanked a forehand volley to end the battle answered them. The 34-year-old needed two hours and 34 minutes to dispatch the American and advance to the last eight of his home ATP 500 event for the fifth time.

Wawrinka has previously played Federer in Basel just once from their 26 FedEx ATP Head2Head meetings (Federer leads 23-3). But the 16-time tour-level champion will try to snap a seven-match losing streak against his 38-year-old countryman in front of their home fans.

Tiafoe did his best to prevent that matchup from happening. The 2018 Delray Beach champion showed his variety of skills in his first meeting against Wawrinka, utilising his speed and athleticism throughout, while also going after his forehand from the baseline when he was presented with opportunities, with the Swiss complimenting his younger adversary when at one point he launched a forehand winner that registered at more than 100 miles per hour.

But in the second and third sets it felt as if Wawrinka was moving closer to a decisive breakthrough. Tiafoe saved all five break points he faced in the second set, coming up with clutch serves and fearless play. But despite converting just 12 of his 14 opportunities in the match, Wawrinka seized the moment at 6-5. Tiafoe dangerously came in to Wawrinka’s backhand with a slice approach, allowing the Swiss plenty of time to rip his trademark shot, giving the American no time to react.

Wawrinka’s best previous performances in Basel came in 2006 and 2011, when he advanced to the semi-finals. The seventh seed is also trying to keep his ATP Race To London hopes alive. Currently in 14th place, Wawrinka, who trails eighth-placed Matteo Berrettini by 660 points, is trying to make his fifth appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals.

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