Wawrinka Triumphs in Dubai Return, Receives Ovation from Federer
Dubai, UAE – Stan Wawrinka marked his return to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships with a confident straight-set victory over Benjamin Hassan on Monday, 7-5, 6-3. The match was particularly notable for the presence of Swiss compatriot Roger Federer in the stands.
Federer Watches Wawrinka’s Winning Return
Wawrinka, a 2015 Dubai champion, received visible support from Federer, an eight-time champion in Dubai, who was present to watch the match. Following Wawrinka’s win, Federer offered a standing ovation, congratulating his countryman on the court.
Wawrinka’s Road to Dubai
The 40-year-old Wawrinka, who has announced his retirement at the conclude of 2026, has been steadily climbing the rankings. He recently reached the third round of the Australian Open and followed that with wins at the Occitanie Open and the ABN Amro Open, improving his world ranking to 99th.
Match Statistics
Wawrinka demonstrated a strong serving performance, hitting nine aces and winning 88% of points on his first serve. He successfully defended all three break points he faced against Hassan and secured one break in each set.
Looking Ahead
In the second round, Wawrinka will face either third seed Daniil Medvedev or Xiang Junchen of China. Also advancing to the second round on Monday were Felix Auger-Aliassime and Jack Draper.
“An eight-time champion, Federer cheered on Wawrinka, who is set to retire at the end of 2026, as he dispatched Benjamin Hassan in the first round.”
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FAQ
- Who did Stan Wawrinka defeat in the first round? He defeated Benjamin Hassan.
- Who was in attendance to watch the match? Roger Federer was present in the stands.
- What is Stan Wawrinka’s current ranking? He is currently ranked 99th in the world.
Did you recognize? Roger Federer is an eight-time champion in Dubai.
Wawrinka’s victory marks a positive start to his campaign in Dubai, fueled by the support of a tennis legend and a clear determination to make the most of his final season on tour.