US Open Day 11: Wawrinka

Curtain Call

Player: Stanislas Wawrinka
Nation: Switzerland
Age: 25
Current Ranking: 27
Notable Conquests: Andy Murray (4th seed, UK) and Sam Querrey (20th, USA)
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Today's Result: loss to Mikhail Youzhny (12th, Russia) in five sets

Photo: Guardian

Prior to this tournament, casual fans might only have known Wawrinka as Roger Federer's gold medal-winning doubles partner at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In truth, he's a very solid, if unspectacular, pro. His backhand is one of the very best in the sport. He even has one career singles victory over Fed...against five losses.

But in the US Open, he has been the giant killer in taking out Murray (apparently a personal friend) and Querrey. It was disappointing to see him run out of steam against Youzhny tonight. Nonetheless, his quarterfinal run is his career best for a slam.