Updated 2025 NFL Draft order: Jaguars, Giants, Raiders in mix
Wawrinka beaten on tour return in Monte Carlo
Stan Wawrinka made a losing return to the ATP Tour after a 13-month injury absence; Three-time grand slam champion beaten by Alexander Bublik in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters; Plus wins for Jannik Sinner, Marin Cilic, Diego Schwartzman and Pablo Carreno Busta
By PA Media
Last Updated: 11/04/22 10:47pm
Three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka made a losing return to the ATP Tour after a 13-month injury-enforced absence as he was beaten by Alexander Bublik in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters.
The Swiss 37-year-old was sidelined by a foot injury throughout last season but showed glimpses of his trademark style as he stretched his Kazakh opponent to three sets in a 3-6 7-5 6-2 defeat.
Wawrinka, who won the event in 2014, told atptour.com: “I think the body’s getting much better.
“I’m still far away from where I want to be, but I think I’m (going in) the right direction. I think today was a positive match. It was a tough loss, of course, but I’m happy with the way I was playing.”
Jannik Sinner survived a scare to nudge past Borna Coric 6-3 2-6 6-3 in just under two and a half hours.
The Italian world number 12 admitted he struggled to get used to the surface and also had to shrug off an apparent stomach injury midway through a tough second set.
“It was a tough match because the first time on clay after quite a while is never easy,” Sinner said. “So I’m very happy with my performance, even if it was not my best.”
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who has announced his intention to retire after this year’s French Open, was beaten 6-2 6-2 by fellow veteran Marin Cilic.
Diego Schwartzman, the 12th seed, beat Karen Khachanov 6-7 (5) 6-3 6-3 and Pablo Carreno Busta was another seed safely through to the second round after his 6-4 4-6 6-2 win over qualifier Sebastien Baez.
Sebastian Korda beat Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets while other winners included Hubert Hurkacz, Fabio Fognini and Alex de Minaur.
Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/tennis, our Twitter account @skysportstennis & Sky Sports – on the go! Available to download now on – iPhone & iPad and Android