Stan Wawrinka, competing in what he has dubbed his “farewell tour,” advanced to the second round of the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam after defeating Lucky Loser Thijs Boogaard with a score of 6-4, 6-3. This ATP 500 event holds special significance for Wawrinka, who previously claimed the title in 2025.
The match showcased a notable age gap, with Wawrinka at 40 years old facing 17-year-old Boogaard, marking one of the largest age disparities in recent ATP Tour history.
Looking ahead, Wawrinka is set to encounter top seed Alex de Minaur in the next round. De Minaur, currently ranked eighth in the world, secured his spot by overcoming French player Arthur Fils with a score of 7-6(3), 6-2. Wawrinka acknowledged the challenges posed by de Minaur, stating, “He’s a tough player, especially in these conditions. I’m looking forward to the challenge and always trying to push myself.”
Wawrinka also made headlines at the recent Australian Open, where he became the oldest male player to reach the third round since Ken Rosewall, further reinforcing his status as a competitor of enduring skill.
In other first-round matches on Wednesday, notable names such as Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Bublik, and Stefanos Tsitsipas also moved forward in the tournament. Auger-Aliassime, the second seed fresh off a title victory in Montpellier, defeated Alexei Popyrin 7-5, 6-3, achieving his first win against the Australian in their three encounters.
Bublik faced a grueling matchup against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, prevailing 6-7(2), 7-6(1), 7-5 after rallying from a break down in the second set. Tsitsipas, seeded eighth, dispatched Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-3 and will proceed to play Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp.
In a surprising turn, Netherlands’ wild card Guy Den Ouden triumphed over Marton Fucsovics from Hungary with a score of 7-6(5), 6-1. Meanwhile, fifth-seeded Karen Khachanov overcame Dutch player Jesper de Jong with a scoreline of 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
British player Cameron Norrie’s aspirations were halted by Aussie qualifier Christopher, who defeated him 7-6(9), 6-4, marking Christopher as the first to secure a quarterfinal spot in Rotterdam, a feat later matched by seventh seed Tallon Griekspoor, who bested Quentin Halys 7-5, 7-6(11).
