(April 20, 2014) World No. 3 Stanislas Wawrinka stopped Swiss countryman Roger Federer 4-6, 7-6(5). 6-2 to win the Monte Carlo title, his first ever Master Series title. It was just Wawrinka’s second win over Federer in 15 meetings, the first came in the third round of Monte Carlo in 2009.
“It’s always special to play Roger,” Wawrinka said. “We know it’s always a strange match, especially being in the final here. He’s my best friend on the tour. We respect each other so much. I’m just trying on the court to win the match. Before and after, we are still very good friends. During the match, we just try everything to win. Today I’m really happy to take that one.
“I can see that when mentally I’m there and I’m fighting, I can play tennis, I can beat all the players. I did an amazing job. I’m really happy after winning my first Grand Slam to win a Masters 1000 so quick. I didn’t expect to. When I came here, for me it was more like a test. I knew I was playing good tennis, but I didn’t expect to win because the draw was so strong.
“I did see I was playing good tennis. It was few little changes to take the advantage. I started to play more aggressive, trying to push him more. When you win a match like this, it’s only one or two points, especially in the tie-break. But I think I did a great tie-break. I was serving big and being really aggressive. Then I took the advantage at the beginning of the third set. I saw that he was a little bit tired. Me, I was playing better and better, especially moving better.”
“I think it’s one of the those finals that I could have won,” Federer said. “But Stan was tougher at the end. I think he deserved it just a little bit more. Clearly it would have been nice to win that second set tie-break. I didn’t necessarily play a bad one, but also at the same time I didn’t quite ever get into the lead where things went my way.
“Of course, I’m very happy for Stan. It’s a huge win for him after winning his first Grand Slam this year, also to win his first Masters 1000. To take the opportunities when they’re there, that’s key in a tennis player’s career. So I’m very happy for him.
“I would have loved to have won a second title [this season] because I’ve come close a few times. That’s my next objective, that I get to the very end more frequently. But clearly I’m happy that the clay court season started so well for me.”
On Monday, Wawrinka will rise to No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Race To London, which is based solely on results this season.