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. (More Tennis News)
The three-time grand slam champion secured 𒁃a 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (8-6) victory in China in what was the first𒐪 ATP meeting between the two.
According to Opta Ace, it represented Wawrinka's landmark 1✤00th hard-court victory in ATP 1ꩵ000 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 yea൲r so far, but I'm not getting younger so I'm trying to keep pushin🍨g myself.
"I'm happy with the match. ജI 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.&qꦍuot;
Wa🐭wrinka, who only had five ATP wiꦫns this year before featuring in Shanghai, next faces Flavio Cobolli in round two.
