US Open: Talking points

After Stan Wawrinka’s superb win over Novak Djokovic in the US Open final, we asked Sky Sports expert Mark Petchey to answer five key questions about the tournament.

The Swiss world No 3 claimed the third Grand Slam title of his career following a 6-7 6-4 7-5 6-3 victory over Djokovic at Flushing Meadows.

Angelique Kerber had earlier replaced Serena Williams as women’s world No 1 after winning her first US Open title and Petchey gives his verdict on a number of talking points from the final Grand Slam of the year.

What is the secret to Wawrinka’s 100 per cent success rate in major finals?

His record since 2014 is 11 finals in a row, so as much as you focus on the major finals, it’s been every time he’s been in a final. 

Stan, at times, probably hasn’t been quite as consistent as the others ahead of him in the rankings in general throughout the year, but when he’s on his game and confident, he’s capable of beating anyone. He’s obviously shown that in the three major finals. 

Stan played his best tennis on the big points and certainly that was the case against Kei Nishikori in the semi-finals. He was battle hardened throughout the tournament in terms of playing his best tennis on competitive points.  

Were fitness issues to blame for Djokovic’s defeat?

To be honest, it wasn’t the fitness issues that lost Novak the match, it was the fact that Stan was very good. I think …

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