Wawrinka Returns to French Open Quarter-Finals

Stanislas Wawrinka is through to the quarter-finals of the French Open for just a second time in his career following straight sets win over Gilles Simons on Sunday.

The Laussane native hit 31 winners and broke 6 times- two of which he converted in the opening first set when he also recorded 100% turnover on his first serves- en route to a 6-1 6-4 6-2 win.

12th seed Simons was already trailing by three breaks in the sixth game of the second set, but managed to secure his first break of the tie to close gap at 4-4 in the eighth game.

Moreover, the Swiss upped the antics and immediately broke back to serve out the 51-minute long set and then moved on to close out the match in one hour and 51 minutes.

Eighth seed Wawrinka has now won all two of his meeting with Simons at the Roland Garros following his previous five-setter success over the Frenchman in the third round of the 2012 tournament. Sunday’s win saw him edge 3-2 in their career head-to-head.

Stanislas Wawrinka Defeats Gilles Simons Through to His Second French Open Quarter-Finals. Image: RGbvia Getty.
Stanislas Wawrinka Defeats Gilles Simons Through to His Second French Open Quarter-Finals. Image: RGbvia Getty.

He also reached the quarter-finals two years ago, when he lost to Rafael Nadal in straight sets.

Wawrinka, 30, will face either compatriot Roger Federer or another Frenchman Gael Monfils in the last eight. The second and 13th seed are tied a set apiece (3-6 6-4) and will resume play on Monday morning at the Philippe-Chatrier.

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