Wawrinka: shocked in Paris again

Kevin Anderson of South Africa has won a marathon thriller over Swiss third seed Stan Wawrinka 6-7 (2/7), 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) in a match that lasted just under three hours.

Wawrinka was serving for the match at 5-4 up in the deciding set only for Anderson to break the Swiss serve to level again at 5-5.

Anderson held easily and then wasted two match points against Wawrinka’s serve as the match went to a decisive tie-break.

Anderson, who had never been past the third round in Paris, dominated the tie-break and finally converted his third match point to set up the meeting with Berdych.

“It was a great match and some of my best matches have been against Stan,” said a delighted Anderson.

“I fought well out there and was in trouble at 5-4 down but suddenly I was back in front again so I’m very, very happy.

“It’s going to be a big challenge (against Berdych) but I’m not going to worry about that just yet. I’m going to enjoy this win and later tonight I’ll start thinking about tomorrow (Friday).” added Anderson.

But the quarter-final match is a must-win for the Czech Republic number one. Tomas Berdych needs the win to seal his ticket to the World Tour Finals in London, which begins 9 November.

Berdych had eased into the quarter-finals after beating Feliciana Lopez in straight sets.

Following a first round defeat at the Valencia Open last week, the 29-year-old Berdych evened his record against Spaniard Feliciano Lopez at six wins apiece with a 7-5, 6-3 victory behind the back of a 70 per cent first serve percentage and eight aces.