In an unexpected first-round matchup at the 2026 Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo, Argentine tennis player Sebastián Báez triumphed over veteran Stan Wawrinka. This match marked Wawrinka’s last appearance at the event, held in Monaco, as he prepares for retirement at the end of the season.
Báez’s Victory Over Wawrinka
Báez, currently ranked 65th in the ATP standings, defeated the three-time Grand Slam champion with a score of 7-5, 7-5. At 41 years old, Wawrinka’s performance was commendable, yet he could not clinch a victory against his younger opponent.
In a competitive match, Báez demonstrated his skill and precision, hitting 25 winners compared to Wawrinka’s 16. However, Wawrinka made a fight of it, rallying from a 5-1 deficit in the second set by winning four consecutive games before ultimately losing.
Wawrinka’s Career Reflections
Following the match, Wawrinka expressed gratitude for the support he received from the crowd, stating, “When you see the support I have had today, it’s one of the reasons I’m still playing at 41, to live this kind of emotion.” The match underscored his illustrious career, including a past victory in Monte Carlo in 2014 against Roger Federer.
Other Notable Matches
The day’s action featured other noteworthy results, including Francisco Cerúndolo defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas, ranked 48th, fell in straight sets, marking his first first-round elimination in eight appearances at Monte Carlo. His recent performances have raised concerns, as he has not beaten a top-20 player since August 2024.
Results from the First Round
| Match | Score |
|---|---|
| Sebastián Báez (ARG) vs. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) | 7-5, 7-5 |
| Jirí Lehecka (CZE/N.11) vs. Emilio Nava (USA) | 7-6(7/1), 6-7(8/10), 6-2 |
| Valentin Vacherot (MON) vs. Juan Manuel Cerúndolo (ARG) | 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 |
| Flavio Cobolli (ITA/N.10) vs. Francisco Comesaña (ARG) | 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 |
| Alexander Blockx (BEL) vs. Denis Shapovalov (CAN) | 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 |
| João Fonseca (BRA) vs. Gabriel Diallo (CAN) | 6-2, 6-3 |
| Arthur Rinderknech (FRA) vs. Karen Khachanov (RUS/N.12) | 7-5, 6-2 |
| Andrey Rublev (RUS/N.13) vs. Nuno Borges (POR) | 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 |
| Zizou Bergs (BEL) vs. Adrian Mannarino (FRA) | 6-4, 6-3 |
| Cristian Garín (CHI) vs. Matteo Arnaldi (ITA) | 6-2, 6-4 |
| Francisco Cerúndolo (ARG/N.16) vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) | 7-5, 6-4 |
| Tomás Machac (CZE) vs. Daniel Altmaier (GER) | 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 |
With Báez’s impressive performance against Wawrinka, the Monte Carlo tournament continues to unfold with surprises and intense competition. Fans worldwide are eager to see what lies ahead in this prestigious event.
