Stan 'The Man' Wins in Portugal

Stanislas Wawrinka experienced a 'furious' start to the 2013 season. Playing a more aggressive game, the Swiss has already achieved some great results so far this year, but it wasn't until now that he finally went all the way and claimed another ATP crown. It happened in Oeiras, at the Portugal Open, where a determined Stan produced a magnificent display to seal a convincing victory over Spanish matador, David Ferrer, 6-1,6-4 to claim his fourth career title.

It must have been frustrated for Wawrinka to live in the shadow of his compatriot, the world's greatest Roger Federer. Although the two are good friends, Stan's performances were always below par compared to Federer's illustrious achievements. However, if until now, he would put himself down, allowing his mental fragility to get the best of him in key moments, this year he changed the strategy. He is feistier, more determined to stay longer in the match and willing to get all his frustration out on the court. This results in him being more aggressive. He takes more risks, he produces more winners and, most important, he wins some of the big matches. A great example was the epic clash he lost to Djokovic at the Australian Open, or his quick dismissals of the US Open champion, Andy Murray, in Monte Carlo.

Bursting with talent since an early age, the 2003 Roland Garros junior champion seems to have found his path since teaming up with new coach, Swede Magnus Normal. "We trained four days, got to know each other and discussed a lot," the No.16 told a Zurich newspaper. "Magnus is a motivator, a positive person who knows the good tennis player and as a coach. After all, he was once the world No. 2." [sic] The duo is now targeting a breakthrough result at the French Open, where the Swiss has lost in the fourth round for the last three years.

Stan Wawrinka claimed his fourth ATP crown after destroying Spanish David Ferrer, 6-1,6-4, to win the Portugal Open in Oeiras.

photos (top-down): AP (x2), LagosSports