Wawrinka reflects on 'tough year' after reaching ATP 1000 hard-court milestone

Stan Wawrinka reflected on a "really tough year" after racking up a new ATP 1000 milestone with his first-round victory over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the Shanghai Masters.

The three-time grand slam champion secured a 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (8-6) victory in China in what was the first ATP meeting between the two.

According to Opta Ace, it represented Wawrinka's landmark 100th hard-court victory in ATP 1000 events, becoming the 12th player to do so.

Speaking on court after the victory, the veteran 39-year-old said: "It's been a really tough year so far, but I'm not getting younger so I'm trying to keep pushing myself.

100 - His first at the Shanghai Masters since 2016, Stan Wawrinka has claimed a 100th ATP Masters 1000 match win on hard court, becoming the 12th player in the history of the format to achieve 100 wins on the surface. Centurion.#RolexShanghaiMasters | @SH_RolexMasters @atptour pic.twitter.com/xogZyEusAW

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) October 3, 2024

"I'm happy with the match. I think it was a really good level. I was playing really good, one of the best matches of the year for me.

"He's such an aggressive player. It was great to be here, so much support here, so I'm enjoying my time in China."

Wawrinka, who only had five ATP wins this year before featuring in Shanghai, next faces Flavio Cobolli in round two.