Watch: Stan Wawrinka Reduced To Tears After Squandering Opportunity To Win First Title in 6 Years
NDTV
Three-time major winner Wawrinka, 38, was hoping to capture a 17th career title but first since Geneva in 2017.
An incredible drama unfolded in the Umang clay-court event as Australia's Alexei Popyrin fought back from a set down and overcame cramping as he shattered Stan Wawrinka's hopes of a first title in six years on Sunday. The 23-year-old Popyrin, ranked at 90 in the world, came through 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4 after two hours and 36 minutes on court to claim a second career title to add to his 2021 Singapore victory.
Three-time major winner Wawrinka, 38, was hoping to capture a 17th career title but first since Geneva in 2017. Up against a struggling Popyrin, Wawrinka couldn't produce his best tennis, and ended second-best in the final.
"I know it's so stupid to cry, but I love this sport so much. You make it really special. Amazing week. Hopefully, I can come back. Thank you for your support. Thank you for being here. Hopefully, I see you next year," he said.
Wawrinka recovered from 3-5 down in the opening set before claiming the tie-breaker.
Popyrin, 15 years Warinka's junior, levelled by pocketing the second set and was a break ahead in the first game of the decider which he immediately handed back.
