Antwerp Open Final: Andy Murray vs Stan Wawrinka - Preview and Prediction

The riveting rivalry resumes as Andy Murray takes on the in-form, Stan Wawrinka in the final of the Antwerp Open, tonight.

Key Insights

• Both Murray and Wawrinka have won three grand slams each.
• This is Murray's first tour final after winning in Dubai in March 2017.
• Murray leads Wawrinka 11-8 in the head to head record.
• This is Wawrinka's second final in 2019 after finishing as the runner-up in the Rotterdam Open.
• Both Murray and Wawrinka are playing in Antwerp for the first time.
• Murray and Wawrinka have not won a singles title yet in 2019.
• Murray and Wawrinka last met in the Eastbourne International in June 2018.
  
  The Brit began well with two straight-set wins Kimmer Coppejans, and Pablo Cuevas in the round of 32 and round of 16 respectively. He fought hard in the quarters and semis winning in three sets each against Marius Copil and Ugo Humbert respectively.

Stan, on the other hand edged past Feliciano Lopez in the round of 16, winning 6-7 6-4 7-6. He overcame Frenchman, Gilles Simon in three sets again in the quarterfinals.

After a slow start in the semifinals against young gun, Jannik Sinner, the Swiss was unstoppable as he won 81% of points on his first serve and converting 4 out of 9 breakpoints.

"I am obviously happy to be in the final, I did very well to turn that match around today, it was tough, he was playing huge from the back of the court, it was tricky but I am obviously happy to be back in a final", said Murray after a come-from-behind win in the semifinals against the Frenchman.

"I think it will be a nice match to play, me and Stan have played a lot against each other, it is nice that we are both able to be back playing against each other in a final", opined the former World number one. 

Reflecting on his fantastic form, Wawrinka added, "In a final here after a month is great for me, the most important part is the way I am playing, the way I am moving and the way I am feeling on the court. It has been great".

It will be a battle between Murray's rock-solid defence and Wawrinka's one-handed backhand. The Swiss will be more energetic than the British having spent fewer hours on court. Murray will look to hold his body for one more match in the crucial final.

The fans can expect a lot of aces from both the players in the crunch moments. The two players have already won the hearts of fans with their incredible comeback. Murray had to undergo two hip resurfacing surgeries, while Wawrinka also suffered from persistent knee injuries.

Whatever be the outcome of this fixture, Murray and Wawrinka have been the examples of determination, willpower, mental toughness and never-give-up attitude and have continued to inspire everyone in the world.

Prediction - Stan Wawrinka to win in three sets

Cover Image Credits - Getty Images