Sports

June 7, 2017

Wawrinka oldest French Open semi-finalist in 32 years

Wawrinka oldest French Open semi-finalist in 32 years

Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka celebrates after winning his tennis match against Croatia’s Marin Cilic at the Roland Garros 2017 French Open on June 7, 2017 in Paris. / AFP PHOTO

Former champion Stan Wawrinka became the oldest French Open semi-finalist in 32 years on Wednesday when he brushed aside Marin Cilic 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.

Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka celebrates after winning his tennis match against Croatia’s Marin Cilic at the Roland Garros 2017 French Open on June 7, 2017 in Paris. / AFP PHOTO

Swiss third seed Wawrinka, the 2015 title winner, has not lost a set on his way to a third successive semi-final in Paris.

The 32-year-old is the oldest man to make the last four at Roland Garros since Jimmy Connors in 1985.

He will face either world number one Andy Murray or Japanese eighth seed Kei Nishikori for a place in the final.

“It was perfect today, I’m very satisfied,” said Wawrinka who will be playing in his third successive Roland Garros semi-final.

“I played well, was very solid and took my opportunities.”

Wawrinka, the reigning US Open champion, took his record over Croatian seventh seed Cilic to 12-2 with an eighth successive win over the 28-year-old.

Cilic is still to beat a top five player on clay.