Western & Southern Open, Cincinnati

It was not surprising given Stan’s history of erratic play, plus he had lost two of their three previous matches. [CR41] Julien Benneteau (FRA) as a player is an enigma; he does not have that one shot that can put players away, yet he has gained some impressive wins throughout his career.

It appeared that [CR4] Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) might come away with the victory this time.  He demolished Benneteau 6-1 in the first set; however, a match is never over until it’s over.

Benneteau fought back and equaled the match with the identical score in the second set.  The expected lifting of Stan’s game never came and neither was there a decline in play from Benneteau.  The end result,  the Frenchman won the third set 6-2 and match.

SCORE: Benneteau d. Wawrinka, 1-6, 6-1, 6-2