Wawrinka Bows Out in First Round of Monte Carlo Masters

Stan Wawrinka, the 41-year-old Swiss tennis player and three-time Grand Slam champion, faced Sebastian Baez in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters, where he lost with a score of 7-5, 7-5. This match serves as Wawrinka's farewell to the tournament, having won the event in 2014.

He received a wild card entry into the main draw of the tournament as he prepares to retire from tennis at the end of the season. Wawrinka, who has not won a title at the 1000 level since his victory in Monte Carlo 12 years ago, took a 4-1 lead in the first set but was unable to maintain it as Baez leveled the score and eventually won the match in 1 hour and 47 minutes.

Following this victory, Baez is set to face world number one and reigning Monte Carlo champion Carlos Alcaraz in the second round.