WAWRINKA MEETS NADAL IN FINAL OF FRENCH OPEN

Stan Wawrinka battered the ball as if each swing would determine the outcome of his French Open semifinal against No. 1 Andy Murray. For much of their 41/2 hours of compelling, lengthy and draining points, Murray was up to the task, relentlessly defending and making Wawrinka hit shot after shot after shot. Eventually, the resolute Wawrinka’s offence prevailed. Not bad for an old guy, huh? Forced to come back twice from a set behind, and never easing up on his go-for-it, attacking style, 2015 champion Wawrinka at last pulled away to beat Murray 6-7 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 7- 6 (3), 6-1 on Friday. He becomes the oldest men’s finalist at Roland Garros in 44 years. He will face Rafael Nadal in the French Open final on Sunday. On Saturday, Jelena Ostapenko will face Simona Halep in the French Open women’s final.