Stan Wawrinka makes early exit at Queen's Club
Thursday 18 June 2015 16:10, UK
Stan Wawrinka suffered a surprise exit at the Aegon Championships after a second round defeat by Kevin Anderson.
The French Open champion struggled to contain the big-serving South African, who had won their previous three meetings, and slipped to a 7-6 7-6 loss at Queen's Club.
In the second tie-break, the Swiss player repelled five match points and then earned a set point of his own, but he wildly missed the gaping court with an over hit forehand.
Another miscued forehand from Wawrinka - this time wide of the line - handed Anderson another chance to serve out the win and he fittingly sealed victory with a booming ace.
Anderson had produced a typically dominant serving display, while Wawrinka was forced to scrap to protect his own serve, fending off break points in the second set.
The second seed was also forced on the back foot in the first tie break and clawed his way back from 5-1 down before his misfiring forehand cost him the opener.
Wawrinka upbeat
Despite his early departure, Wawrinka tried to remain upbeat about his performance, but admitted he was feeling the effect of a lengthy campaign at Roland Garros.
"I think it was in general a good level," he said. "I did one big mistake on the set point, but that's it."
"I'm going to practice hard, for sure. I am trying to find the right balance between resting and practice.
"I'm quite tired mentally. Physically, also, but especially mentally."
Anderson, who fired down 22 aces, said: "Yes, it was definitely a big plus for me, the way I served - right from the beginning. It was really important for me, especially towards the end of the second set.
"But Stan also has got a really good serve. He was able to return pretty well today, making me hit a lot of tough returns off my serve."
Third seed Milos Raonic was forced to overcome a second set slip-up before he sealed victory over Richard Gasquet.
The Frenchman levelled the match in a tie-break, but Raonic raced through the third set to claim a 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 win.
