Wawrinka Loses First Round in Monte Carlo Masters Farewell

Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 Monte Carlo Masters champion and a three-time Grand Slam winner, faced Sebastian Baez in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Monday. At 41 years old, Wawrinka is set to retire from tennis at the end of the season.

He entered the main draw of the tournament as a wild card. Wawrinka, who won his only 1000-level title in Monaco 12 years ago by defeating compatriot Roger Federer, lost the match with scores of 7-5, 7-5.

Despite taking a 4-1 lead in the opening set, Wawrinka could not maintain his advantage as Baez leveled the score and eventually broke Wawrinka's serve in the 11th game. In the second set, Baez took control after breaking Wawrinka's opening service game.

The match concluded in 1 hour and 47 minutes, with Baez advancing to face world number one and reigning Monte Carlo champion, Carlo Alcaraz, in the second round.