(Monte-Carlo) Stan Wawrinka, 90th in the world and winner in 2014, qualified for the second round of the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 on Monday by beating Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor (35th) 5-7, 6-3, 6- 4.

The 38-year-old Swiss will face 10th-placed American Taylor Fritz for a spot in the round of 16.

“It’s a joy to be here… It hasn’t been easy. A first round, which is more on clay, you have to go get it. I expected a tough game and it took a lot of patience, I had to stay calm,” commented Wawrinka.

Monte-Carlo is the third most successful Masters 1000 category tournament for him since the start of his career, with 22 games won (27 in Indian Wells and 24 in Rome), including a final against Roger Federer in 2014.

But he hasn’t passed the second round since 2017.

Winner of three Grand Slam tournaments and ex-N. 3 in the world, Wawrinka is trying to regain his best level after two seasons marred by injuries.