Stan Wawrinka vs Pablo Cuevas - Basel Open - Round of 32 - Preview and Prediction

Basel throws up an intriguing encounter today as World number 17, Stan Wawrinka takes on number 45, Pablo Cuevas in the round of 32.

Key Insights

• Wawrinka is playing in Basel after two years
• Cuevas beat Wawrinka in the pair's only clash - Monte Carlo 2017
• Wawrinka is yet to win a title in 2019
• Cuevas won two challenger titles, Tunis and Aix-En Provence in 2019
• Wawrinka's best performance in Basel was when he reached the semifinals in 2011 and 2016
• Wawrinka loves playing on hard-courts while Cuevas plays his best on clay-courts

'Stan the Man' has made a strong comeback after starting off with below-par performances this season. He played terrific tennis in the recently concluded, Antwerp Open. Though he finished as the runner-up losing to Andy Murray in three sets, the Swiss fought hard till the last moment.

On the other hand, the Uruguayan has made good progress in recent tournaments. He lost in the pre-quarterfinals to the eventual champion, Murray, in Antwerp.

The veteran went one step further when he reached the doubles quarterfinals in Antwerp partnering Argentine player, Maximo Gonzalez. The pair lost 6-3, 6-3 to the all-Italian combination of Paolo Lorenzi, and Jannik Sinner.

With his experience, Cuevas has shown a lot of versatility as he continues gaining valuable match practice. He will not be an easy nut to crack for Wawrinka, especially considering that the two have met only once before this game. A match that was won by Cuevas.

At the age of 34 and 33 respectively, both Wawrinka and Cuevas will be looking forward to extending their professional career and achieve new milestones in the process.

Wawrinka will aim to wrap it up soon with tougher opponents looming ahead in Basel. On the other hand, Cuevas would want to engage in longer rallies so as to tire out the Swiss and force him to make mistakes.

Prediction - Stan Wawrinka to win in three sets

Cover Image Credits - Getty Images