Former champion
Stan Wawrinka and three-time Grand Slam champion
Andy Murray took to the courts in Paris, as they ramped up preparations for this month's
Roland Garros event.
The pair enjoyed a practice session together, just a few hours before they discovered they would be facing each other in the first round of the upcoming French Open. These two had an epic faceoff in the 2017 semifinals in Paris, where Wawrinka emerged victorious after five grueling sets. It was in fact Murray's last appearance at Roland Garros, as the Brit's career has been affected by various surgeries.
Similarly, Wawrinka has had his share of setbacks. The former World No.3 was also forced to take time off over the past two years due to injuries, and has slowly fought his way back to a Top 20 ranking. The Swiss recently parted ways with his longtime coach Magnus Norman, and will be looking to build off his impressive victory at the ATP Challenger Tour event in Prague.
Wawrinka and Murray have met 20 times on the ATP circuit, with the Brit holding a 12-8 lead. Furthermore, Murray prevailed in their most recent encounter in the final of the ATP Antwerp event 11 months ago. However, he will have to put on a stellar performance next week if he hopes to upset the No.16 seed. First round play for Roland Garros begins on September 27, 2020.