Paris Masters 2020: Stan Wawrinka vs Dan Evans preview, head-to-head & prediction
Match details
Fixture: Stan Wawrinka vs Dan Evans
Date: 3 November 2020
Tournament: Paris Masters 2020
Round: Round of 64 (First round)
Venue: Paris, France
Category: ATP Masters 1000
Surface: Indoor hardcourt
Prize money: €3,901,015
Match timing: 11 am local time, 3.30 pm IST
Live telecast: USA - ESPN / Tennis Channel | India - Sony Six
Stan Wawrinka vs Dan Evans preview
Stan Wawrinka will play Dan Evans for the second time in three weeks in the opening round of the 2020 Rolex Paris Masters.
Wawrinka beat Evans in the St. Petersburg Open first round, but it was a very tightly contested affair. The Brit was up match points before Wawrinka staged a remarkable comeback.
But since then, the fortunes of the two players have seen a total reversal. Evans made the semis at both Antwerp and Vienna, overcoming the likes of Karen Khachanov, Grigor Dimitrov and Frances Tiafoe along the way. Wawrinka, on the other hand, lost in the quarterfinals at St. Petersburg before exiting the Erste Bank Open in the first round.
Wawrinka’s opening round loss to Cristian Garin in Vienna was particularly surprising given that the Chilean doesn't enjoy playing on quicker surfaces.
There has been a considerable dip in Wawrinka's overall game lately, possibly due to age and fitness. To make matters worse, the Swiss has also been very wasteful with his opportunities. The three-time Grand Slam champion has managed to convert just seven of the 32 break points that he has created for himself in his last four matches.
A good run at a Masters 1000 event could do wonders for Wawrinka's confidence, and instill some much-needed belief in him ahead of 2021. But it remains to be whether will get his game in order before taking the court for his first-rounder in the French capital.
Stan Wawrinka vs Dan Evans head-to-head
Stan Wawrinka leads Dan Evans 4-0 in the head-to-head. The Swiss has won all three of their hardcourt encounters, despite famously going match points down in two of them (St. Petersburg ’20 and US Open ’16).
Stan Wawrinka vs Dan Evans prediction
Stan Wawrinka has the head-to-head advantage against Dan Evans, but is sorely missing the form. Evans on the other hand is playing some of the best tennis of his life, but could be a bit fatigued by his deep runs in two consecutive tournaments.
It must be noted that a well-rested Wawrinka is a different beast altogether. The easy power that he possesses comes to the fore when he is physically at a good level.
Evans has shown some exemplary defending abilities in recent weeks, enduring some very powerful shot-making from his opponents. But Wawrinka is still arguably on a higher level in that department.
If the Swiss manages to stay consistent enough and takes his chances, he should be able to get past Evans.
Prediction: Stan Wawrinka to win in three sets.