Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka powered past Martin Landaluce in an instant classic to reach the second round at the Grand Prix Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes in Lyon on Wednesday.
Former world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years to defeat Spaniard Martin Landaluce 6-3, 6-7(2), 7-6(5) in a scintillating two-hour, 46-minute tennis display in Lyon.
In his on-court interview, he commented: "Winning a tough one… I've lost many tough matches this year, so I'm super happy with the fight. I think I served well; I was really focused, and I'm happy with the win."
The 41-year-old, who received a wild card to play at the ATP 250 event before retiring, overpowered an opponent 20 years his junior, delivering his best tennis.
Sharp behind his serve, the Swiss player converted an early break to take control of the first set, which he closed out in just 28 minutes.
Calm under heavy pressure, Landaluce kicked up a level, saving break points on a lengthy 11th game before sealing the second-set tiebreak in 64 minutes.
Despite facing break points on his serve in a tight final set, Wawrinka used his experience and tennis IQ well, wrapping up the win in the tiebreak, advancing to the next round with a confidence-boosting result.
For his part, the 20-year-old withstood the pressure in key moments, fending off match points with authority.
However, his efforts would not deny the 16-time ATP titlist his first win at tour level since May, on his fifth match point.
Throughout the first-round contest, he did not drop his serve—saving all four break points he faced—and won 84 percent of points on his first serve.
The Lausanne native finished with 37 winners against 29 unforced errors and won 81 percent of his net approaches.
On Thrusday, he will clash against top seed Flavio Cobolli, who received a bye into the second round.
The Italian leads the Swiss 2-0 in their series; they last met early in January at the United Cup.
Wawrinka is set to retire next week at the Swiss Indoors in Basel.