Stan Wawrinka exits the Australian Open after losing gruelling match against Milos Raonic
Monday 25 January 2016 11:58, UK
Fourth seed Stan Wawrinka has been knocked out of the Australian Open after losing a tense five-set match against Milos Raonic.
The 2014 champion staged a determined fightback after falling two sets down, but Raonic held his nerve to complete a 6-4 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-3 win in the fourth round in Melbourne.
Raonic defeated Wawrinka's fellow Swiss Roger Federer to win this month's Brisbane International and remains unbeaten for the year after sealing victory in three hours 44 minutes.
The Canadian appeared to be cruising into the quarter-finals when he took four service breaks on the way to a two-set lead, but Wawrinka started his determined rally in the third and would force a fifth set.
A shaky service game from Wawrinka allowed Raonic to open a 4-2 lead in the decider and he sealed victory at the net.
Swiss Wawrinka, who has been suffering from a cold, was unable to avoid a Grand Slam exit before the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2014 French Open.
"Tough match in general," said Wawrinka. "I wasn't really feeling great, wasn't moving well. I fought as always but I'm surprised I made it five sets.
"I'm disappointed but I tried, I tried."
French 23rd seed Gael Monfils also booked his place in the quarters after a 7-5 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4) win over Russian Andrey Kuznetsov.
Monfils won 81 per cent of his first serves and he said it was important factor against Kuznetsov.
"I focused on my serve, I needed to be because he was striking the ball very good and the... free points (aces) helped me a lot to get through," he said.
"It's great. I'm very happy to get through to the quarters and I'm already focused on my quarter-final. I have had a great week, and I hope to have a wonderful second week."
We will bring you all the news, views, reaction and opinion throughout the Australian Open.
