Novak Djokovic vs Stan Wawrinka: Clash in Italian Open Round of 16

Novak Djokovic vs Stan Wawrinka: Italian Open Preview

Meeting for the 26th time since the 2019 US Open, Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka takes on World No.1 Novak Djokovic in the Round of 16 at the Italian Open.

Battling Laslo Djere in an epic showdown that lasted 2 hours and 48 minutes, the Swiss veteran prevailed 7-6 (10-8), 3-6, 6-4. It was the veteran’s second win in the last 15 months after coming back from two surgeries on a foot injury. He beat 14th seed Reilly Opelka in the first round 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 in what was his first match since the Australian Open in 2021.

The 37-year-old, who last won a major at the 2016 US Open, said he was motivated by the fans to fight his way back on the ATP tour when he could have easily retired. Credits sports.yahoo.com

"This is exactly the reason I've been practicing and doing the rehab for more than a year," the three-time grand slam champion said."At my age, after all I've done in my career, to get the chance to play in front of the fans is why I'm still playing."

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has been making steady progress after his recent loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open and Andrey Rublev in the finals of the Serbia Open.

Continuing his good form, he defeated Aslan Karatsev in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 to secure his place in the third round of the Italian Open. Given the Serb’s current performance, he should be able to get the better of his Swiss counterpart and reach the quarterfinals.

Novak Djokovic vs Stan Wawrinka: Head to Head

Novak Djokovic has a 19-6 head to head record against Stan Wawrinka, but the Swiss has won their last two meetings – including the US Open. Wawrinka also beat Djokovic in the epic battle at the French Open final in 2015. 

The World No. 1 has a 5-2 lead on the clay courts, and is a five time champion at the Italian Open. He had defeated Diego Schwartzman in 2020, but in 2021 was defeated by Rafael Nadal in the finals.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic will win in a two set match.