Wawrinka returns with a win in Geneva

There’s no place like home for Stan Wawrinka to continue an injury comeback, with the Swiss successfully returning to the Geneva quarterfinals with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Jared Donaldson.

Wawrinka, who is contesting only his sixth tournament since undergoing knee surgery last August, progressed in just 68 minutes against the world No.57 American.

The defending champion in his home event, Wawrinka now meets Marton Fucsovics after the Hungarian outclassed Frances Tiafoe 7-6(5) 6-4.

“I’m happy with my match today. I felt good out there,” said Wawrinka.

“This will be the first time in a while that I play back-to-back matches. I like to play in front of the Swiss crowd and the fans have always given me great support here.”

Stand and shout! ????

???? @stanwawrinka celebrates his ninth straight win at @genevaopen, 6-3 6-4 over Jared Donaldson. pic.twitter.com/uXEt0SUvoZ

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 23, 2018

After struggling to find form in his return to the tour at the Australian Open earlier this year, Wawrinka conceded that patience was required as he continued his recovery from surgery.

With his fourth tournament of 2018 ending with an injury retirement in Marseille in February, Wawrinka took another extended break from the tour.

While his first match of the clay court season ended with a loss to Steve Johnson in Rome last week, the Swiss was pleased with his physical progress.  

The 33-year-old Wawrinka, who was runner-up to Rafael Nadal at the 2017 French Open, is under pressure to defend rankings points on clay. He currently sits at world No.25.

RELATED: Nadal, Djokovic, Wawrinka – who is under the most pressure on clay?  

Fabio Fognini was also pleased with progress in Geneva, the Italian outclassing Noah Rubin 6-7(5) 6-2 6-2 to set up a quarterfinal with Tennys Sandgren after the American overcame Mirza Basic in straight sets.

“I’m happy because tomorrow I have another chance to play here, quarterfinal and try to improve my game,” said Fognini, who upset Dominic Thiem en route to the Rome quarterfinals last week.