ATP Montpellier: Wawrinka Makes History with Victory, Makhach Withdraws

On Wednesday local time, the ATP250 Montpellier tournament wrapped up the men's singles first round and several second-round matches. Swiss veteran and three-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka made history at this tournament. Against 22-year-old Majedovic, Wawrinka secured a straight-sets victory 7-6(3)/6-4, moving on to the second round. He became the oldest player to win an indoor tour match outside the Davis Cup since 45-year-old Roswell won in Melbourne in 1980.

Wawrinka

"I really enjoy playing. I still have a great passion for tennis," Wawrinka said. "For me, it’s important to keep pushing myself and try to win as many matches as possible."

In his first encounter with Majedovic, Wawrinka leveraged his vast experience, winning 83% of his first serves (24 out of 29) and securing victory in just 1 hour and 38 minutes. He saved 80% of break points (4 out of 5), including a crucial save at 5-5, 30/40 in the first set.

"Playing against the younger generation is always enjoyable. I’m happy to face him for the first time. He’s a tough opponent. I’m satisfied with my form and glad to be back on court," Wawrinka said. Next, he will face defending champion Auger-Aliassime.

In another match, Mannarino saved three match points to come back from behind and defeat 5th seed Humbert 6-7(4)/6-4/7-6(4), advancing to the quarterfinals in this all-French clash. A strange moment occurred when Humbert checked his phone while leading 4-3 in the deciding set tiebreak, then lost four consecutive points to lose the match. With this win, Mannarino reached the tour quarterfinals for the 63rd time, his first since the 2024 Chengdu Open.

Next, he will face wildcard Jézéquel, who advanced after Makhach retired while trailing 6-3/4-5.

8th seed Kovačević crushed the hopes of 16-year-old French newcomer Quamme to claim his first main draw tour win. Kovačević, last year’s runner-up here, battled for 1 hour and 54 minutes to come back from a set down and win 6-7(5)/6-2/6-2. Quamme entered the main draw through qualifying, having won two matches, becoming the first male player since Mollek in 2017 to qualify for an ATP main draw from the qualifiers.

Complete results from yesterday

Second Round

Jézéquel [WC] 6-3/4-5 ret. Makhach [3]

Mannarino 6-7(4)/6-3/7-6(4) Humbert [5]

Damm [Q] 6-1/6-3 Agut

First Round

Kovačević [8] 6-7(5)/6-2/6-2 Quamme [Q]

Nardi 6-3/6-3 Bashilashvili

Wawrinka [WC] 7-6(3)/6-4 Majedovic

(Written and edited by Wang Fei)