Banque Eric Sturdza Geneva Open, Switzerland

[25] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs. [60] Marton Fucsovics (HUN)

Wawrinka won the Geneva Open title the last two years; yet, that did not discourage his opponent because Fucsovics had his eyes set on his first ATP World Tour semifinals. Although the Hungarian got off to a nervous start, he quickly regrouped in the next game.

In his first service game, Fucsovics double faulted to get broken at 15-40. The momentum should have shifted to the other side of the net; however, as we have often seen, even the top tennis players take a while to get their best form back after significant time away from the game. And while the structural damage may take a while to heal, it if often the mental aspect that is harder to regain. Since his knee surgery, Wawrinka has been struggling to find his form and at thirty-three years old, it is that much harder. While his body may have recovered, it is harder to get the mind back to the level needed to be clinical on the tennis court.

That was obvious after Wawrinka took the early 2-0 lead but was immediately broken in his next service game to put the match back on serve. Fucsovics was excited at the prospect this match presented; yet, he was focused and took full advantage of his opponent, who was struggling to be consistent. This was the best victory for the Hungarian, who defeated the defending champion 6-4, 6-0.

Eight years after turning professional, Fucsovics is into his first Tour semifinal and no doubt he will be at a career high ranking when the rankings come out. Give the Hungarian a lot of credit for being mentally tough because he fought off all six break points he faced in the second set and left the home crowd in a state of shock with the second set score of 6-0.

SOURCE OF IMAGES: Zimbio.com (Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe: Marton Fucsovics)