Battle of eras: 40-year-old Wawrinka holds off teenage Boogaard
Stan Wawrinka won against Thijs Boogaard 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday and will play Australian Alex De Minaur, the top seed, in the next round
Thijs Boogaard, Rotterdam 2026 | © Imago / PsNewz
The ABN AMRO Open witnessed a remarkable clash of generations on Wednesday morning as three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka utilized his veteran poise to defeat 17-year-old Dutch prospect Thijs Boogaard 6-3, 6-4.
At 40 years old, Wawrinka entered the court facing an opponent 23 years his junior, marking a rare encounter between a living legend and a player whose professional journey is just beginning.
The story of Thijs Boogaard reaching the main draw is a testament to the “Lucky Loser” spirit. The young Dutchman is an atendee of the Mouratoglou Academy, where he trains as part of the prestigious Champ’seed Foundation – a program founded by Patrick Mouratoglou to support the world’s most promising junior talents.
Wawrinka’s efficiency
Boogaard’s journey through the Rotterdam qualifying rounds was a rollercoaster: he reached the final round after saving a match point in a gritty comeback victory over Kimmer Coppejans. In his final qualifying match against Hugo Grenier, the roles were cruelly reversed as Boogaard held a match point of his own before eventually falling 2-6, 7-6(3), 6-4.
Despite that heartbreak, a late withdrawal by Aleksandar Vukic granted him a dream debut on home soil against a former world No. 3.
The match itself was a masterclass in efficiency from Wawrinka. Despite Boogaard’s impressive ball-striking and defensive coverage – qualities that helped him win the Les Petits As title in 2022 and the latest Orange Bown Jr. – “Stan the Man” remained unfazed.
Wawrinka’s clinical nature was evident as he secured exactly one break of serve per set. The defining moment came at 5-4 in the second set, where Wawrinka leaned on his signature experience to break Boogaard’s resistance and seal the victory. While the 17-year-old showed he belonged on the big stage, Wawrinka’s composure proved that in high-pressure moments, seasoned experience clearly prevails.
Wawrinka now advances to the second round, while Boogaard leaves with the invaluable experience of pushing a tennis icon to the limit in front of his home crowd.
Rotterdam first round
A. de Minaur (1) – A. Fils: 7-6[3], 6-2
S. Wawrinka (WC) – T. Boogaard (LL): 6-3, 6-4
B. van de Zandschulp – L. Pavlovic (Q): 7-6[3], 6-3
S. Tsitsipas – A. Rinderknech (8): Today
U. Humbert – D. Medvedev (4): 7-6[4], 3-6, 6-3
G. Den Ouden (WC) – M. Fucsovics: 7-6[5], 6-1
C. O’Connell (Q) – V. Royer: 6-4, 4-6, 7-6[4]
C. Norrie (6) – R. Bautista Agut: 7-6[3], 6-1
K. Khachanov (5) – J. de Jong: Today
J. Munar – N. Budkov Kjaer (WC): 6-1, 6-3
J. Struff – H. Grenier (Q): 6-0, 6-4
H. Hurkacz – A. Bublik (3): Today
T. Griekspoor (7) – C. Mpetshi Perricard: 6-4, 6-4
D. Halys – M. Rottgering (Q): 3-6, 6-1, 6-1
H. Medjedovic (LL) – Z. Bergs: 7-6[5], 7-6[6]
A. Popyrin – F. Auger-Aliassime (2): Today
