ATP: Rome: Stan Wawrinka loses at comeback

Triple Grand Slam tournament winner Stan Wawrinka lost in the first round on his return to the Masters 1000 Tournament in Rome.

Wawrinka lost to Steve Johnson 4-6, 4-6 after 1 hour 21 minutes, Wawrinkas first appearance since mid-February at the Marseille tournament.

“Stan the Man” had undergone knee surgery after the 2017 Wimbleon tournament and had returned to the 2018 Australian Open. Although he reached the second round and then the semi-final in Sofia, he was still a long way from his previous form. After a direct end in Rotterdam and the task of Marseille, the Swiss decided to take further training time.

In Rome back at Wawrinkas side was Magnus Norman, with whom Wawrinka celebrated his victories at the Australian Open 2014, the French Open 2015 and the US Open 2016. Norman separated from Wawrinka last year to have more time for his family. A few weeks ago, Wawrinka called his coach back – at least temporarily.