Wawrinka opens Australian Open title defense with win
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - Stan Wawrinka began the defense of his Australian Open title with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over Turkey's Marsel Ilhan on Tuesday.
Wawrinka was barely tested against the No. 100-ranked Ilhan, striking 34 winners and saving the only two break points he faced.
The Swiss player is coming off a breakthrough season that saw him capture his first Grand Slam title, reach a career-high ranking of No. 3 and add the Davis Cup trophy with teammate Roger Federer in November.
Wawrinka is coming off a season-opening title at the Chennai Open, which he also won last year before his surprising run to the Australian Open championship.
Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland makes a forehand return to Turkeyâs Marsel Ilhan during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
The Associated Press
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