Vukic A vs Wawrinka S on 9 February
The stage is set for an exhilarating clash at the Rotterdam Open on February 9th, as Australian rising star Alexei Vukic faces Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, combining youth and ambition against experience and pedigree. With both players eager to build momentum in 2026, the stakes are high: Vukic looks to continue his ascent through the ranks, while Wawrinka seeks to prove his staying power in the game. As the tournament enters a crucial phase, the match will undoubtedly offer a compelling mix of powerful baseline rallies, tactical intrigue, and potentially decisive moments. The indoor hard courts in Rotterdam provide a neutral ground where both players can fully showcase their talents, but which will come out on top? Let’s dive into the tactical intricacies and current form that will define this exciting matchup.
Vukic A: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Alexei Vukic has shown steady progress over the last 12 months, and his form going into this match offers plenty of promise. The Australian’s primary strength lies in his powerful serve, which has been a major weapon. He averages over 65% first serves in, with a solid 80% win rate on his first serve. Vukic’s second serve, while effective, occasionally leaves room for improvement, sitting around 52% win rate. His return game, however, is where he needs to find consistency. With a 28% return points won against first serves, he is still developing this facet of his game but has the potential to improve on quicker, indoor surfaces like those in Rotterdam.
Vukic's game revolves around controlling the baseline with his big forehand and backhand, striking from a deep position. His preference for staying at the back of the court allows him to dictate play, looking to force errors or find an opening for a winner. However, his net game is something that could be exploited by a more seasoned opponent, especially if he’s forced to move forward. His court positioning is aggressive, often taking time away from his opponents, but with his heavy groundstrokes, he can be vulnerable when facing opponents with superior defensive skills.
Vukic’s form has been solid, especially in the opening rounds of this season. His last five matches have been a mix of wins and losses, but he showed resilience in defeating top players by holding his ground in long rallies and forcing errors. The key for Vukic will be maintaining his serving percentages while improving his return game against Wawrinka's powerful serve.
Wawrinka S: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Stan Wawrinka is one of the most experienced and dangerous players on the ATP Tour, and despite being in the later stages of his career, his game remains potent. Wawrinka is renowned for his massive groundstrokes, particularly his one-handed backhand, which remains one of the most powerful in the game. His serve, often overlooked in comparison to some of his peers, has been effective, with a first-serve percentage hovering around 63%, and a 75% win rate on first serves. His second serve, while not as strong as some of the game's biggest hitters, still holds a respectable 60% win rate.
Wawrinka's playstyle is rooted in his ability to hit with enormous pace and precision, often dictating the tempo of rallies with his groundstrokes. He is a player who thrives on taking control from the baseline, using his backhand to move opponents around the court, while his forehand remains equally potent when unleashed. While Wawrinka can sometimes be prone to erratic ball striking, his ability to find his rhythm and power through tough points has made him a perennial threat in any tournament.
In terms of current form, Wawrinka has had an up-and-down start to the 2026 season, with a mix of wins and losses. However, he remains a player who can rise to the occasion, especially in tournaments with a history of success like Rotterdam. The key factor in his game will be his ability to manage his mental focus. His career has shown that when he is fully locked in, he can topple anyone, but when his intensity drops, he becomes more vulnerable.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
Wawrinka and Vukic have yet to meet in a competitive match on the ATP Tour, making this encounter even more intriguing. However, the psychological difference in experience is palpable. Wawrinka has a wealth of knowledge from competing against the best of the best, while Vukic has yet to prove himself on the grandest stages. This mental dynamic could play a crucial role, as Vukic has the raw talent to outplay Wawrinka in certain areas, but it will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure of playing against a player who has thrived in the heat of the biggest moments.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
There are a few key areas of this match that will decide its outcome. First, the serve battle. Vukic’s powerful first serve versus Wawrinka’s well-rounded serving game will be crucial. If Vukic can get his first serve percentage up and win a high percentage of points off it, he could put Wawrinka on the back foot, limiting the Swiss player’s rhythm. However, Wawrinka’s ability to return and neutralize powerful serves with his speed and anticipation could tip the balance in his favor.
The second key battle will take place from the baseline. Vukic’s powerful forehand versus Wawrinka’s one-handed backhand will be a thrilling contest. Wawrinka’s backhand remains one of the most destructive shots in tennis, capable of changing the direction of rallies with ease. Vukic’s forehand is strong but lacks the variety and finesse that Wawrinka can display when hitting through the ball. If Wawrinka can impose his backhand and take time away from Vukic, he could assert dominance in longer rallies.
Finally, the net game. While both players are primarily baseliners, Wawrinka has more experience at the net, and if the match turns into a battle of reactions in the fast-paced indoor environment, his greater proficiency at net play could give him the edge. Vukic will need to find ways to stay aggressive and force Wawrinka into uncomfortable positions, but if he fails to do so, Wawrinka’s experience and variety could overwhelm him.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given both players’ styles, the match is likely to see a battle of baseline power with both players looking to control rallies early with their aggressive groundstrokes. Vukic’s serve will be a key weapon, and if he can keep his first serve percentage high, he’ll have a strong chance to challenge Wawrinka. However, Wawrinka’s experience in handling pressure points, particularly in indoor conditions, should give him an edge in the mental game.
While Vukic has shown great potential, Wawrinka’s consistency in big moments, coupled with his superior net game and backhand, makes him the slight favorite for this match. Vukic’s lack of experience in high-pressure situations could be his undoing here, and despite his potential, Wawrinka is expected to come through in straight sets, though Vukic will likely push him in a tight first set. Prediction: Wawrinka to win 7-5, 6-4.
Final Thoughts
This match will answer a critical question: Can Vukic rise to the occasion and take down a player of Wawrinka’s pedigree, or will experience and mental toughness win out? The outcome will hinge on Vukic’s ability to handle the pressure of facing a legend like Wawrinka and whether his powerful game can break through the Swiss veteran’s defenses. The indoor court in Rotterdam provides the perfect setting for an intense and captivating battle.
