Former French Open champion Stan Wawrinka knocked out Andy Murray 6-4 6-4 6-2 in the first round of the Roland Garros on Sunday.
The defeat could turn out to be Murray’s last appearance at the claycourt Grand Slam.
A long embrace and a heartfelt conversation was shared by the duo at the net with Wawrinka also lauding Murray during his press conference soon after the match.
"We're getting closer to the end and we played so many times over the last 20 years," Wawrinka said.
"A lot of emotion. It was amazing to be in the Chatrier night session, something I never had a chance to do. He (Murray) is an amazing guy, amazing player, such a big fighter.
"We have a lot of respect for each other."
Wawrinka also considered the straight sets win as his best match of the year.
"I think I played my best match of the year," Wawrinka added. "I was feeling good. I was moving well. I was playing aggressive. I liked the conditions. I'm super happy with the performance and the level. It's really positive for me."
Meanwhile, Murray said that if he hadn’t played in the time of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Wawrinka, his results at Roland Garros could have been different but he’s proud of what he’s done.
“Yeah, I did really well here over the years. You know, a lot of the results and stuff that I think the issue for me is that when you compare it to, like, what Rafa or Novak achieved in the same time, it obviously is minuscule in comparison,” said Murray.
“But yeah, most players would sign up for the results I've had here. I played final, I think four semis and made the quarters, I don't know, I don't know how many times, a couple of times as well, maybe. Yeah, lost in the semis, I lost to Novak in five, Stan in five, and twice to Rafa. Obviously. no shame in that.
“In a different time maybe the results would have been a bit different. But yeah, I'm proud of the results that I had here. I had great memories. Like you said, it was not an easy surface for me. But I always showed up and put in some strong performances, considering. And yeah, it was a good run here over the years.”
