WATCH: Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka share heartwarming moment following French Open 1R, hug each other tightly after potential last meeting

Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka shared a long and warm embrace after their first-round match at the 2024 French Open. The Swiss came through in straight sets after two hours and 19 minutes.

The tennis fraternity was shocked when the draw for Roland Garros was revealed as it pitted two three-time Grand Slam champions Murray and Wawrinka in a blockbuster opening-round match.

The two men headlined the night session at the Philippe-Chatrier where the Swiss, a former French Open champion, comfortably saw off his long-time rival with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. It is no secret that both men hold each other in high regard and their respect was at full display during the ceremonious handshake post-match.

Murray and Wawrinka shared a long and warm embrace and exchanged a few words at the net. At the on-court post-match interview, the 39-year-old revealed that his first words to the Birt were of respect telling him that he enjoyed watching the Brit play over the years calling him one of the greatest players of all time.

The Swiss also mentioned that both men had great battles with each other and other great players over the years and acknowledged that they weren't young anymore but were still trying to give it their best shot.

“My first words to him were respect to a great champion. As a tennis fan I enjoyed watching Andy against the best players of all time. We had battles with the best players for nearly 20 years and we’re not all that young anymore, but we’re trying to make the best of what we have left.”

"Andy Murray's way ahead" - Stan Wawrinka on being compared to the Brit

Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka

In a recent conversation with Express Sport, Stan Wawrinka acknowledged Andy Murray's level, during his prime, to be close to the Big 3. He said that the only reason the Brit had won 'only' three Majors despite being in the final or semifinals a majority of times was because of the Big 3.

The Swiss also admitted that Murray is way ahead of him as he won a lot more titles than him and was closer to the top level for many years.

"For me, he was part of this Big Four era. From 18 years old until 30 he was always fighting with the Big Three, he was always there. Let’s put it that way, he won ‘only’ three Slams because all the other were taking but he was always in the final, he was always winning a lot. He’s way ahead, he won many more titles than me and his level was close to the Big Three for 10 years," he said.

Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray have played each other 23 times in their careers with the Brit leading their head-to-head 13-10.