Former French Open champion Stan Wawrinka handed Andy Murray a 6-4 6-4 6-2 first-round defeat under the lights at Roland Garros on Sunday, ending what is likely the three-time grand slam winner's last appearance at the claycourt Grand Slam.
The duo shared a long embrace and a heartfelt conversation at the net when the dust had settled following their 23rd career meeting and Wawrinka heaped praise on Murray during his press conference later.
"We're getting closer to the end and we played so many times over the last 20 years," Wawrinka said.
"A lot of emotion. It was amazing to be in the Chatrier night session, something I never had a chance to do. He (Murray) is an amazing guy, amazing player, such a big fighter.
"We have a lot of respect for each other."
Swiss Wawrinka came into the clash having won two of the duo's three matches at the major, including a draining five-setter in the 2017 semi-finals from which Murray's creaking hip never recovered and eventually forced him to have surgeries.
Having sent Murray packing in straight sets in the opening round four years ago, the 39-year-old Wawrinka shot out of the blocks again by grabbing a break in the first game.
The 2015 champion wrapped up the opening set on the back of a couple of booming serves and pounced in the third game of the second set with a string of heavy single-handed backhands from the baseline to heap the pressure on Murray.
The Scot, who at 37 has stated that he is unlikely to play beyond the summer, rode a wave of support at Philippe Chatrier court and battled on but was unable to prevent fellow three-times Grand Slam champion Wawrinka from going two sets up.
A medical timeout for Wawrinka's left calf issue delayed the start of the third set, but 2016 runner-up Murray's movement was also compromised due to an apparent leg issue that allowed his opponent to run away with the contest.
"I think I played my best match of the year," Wawrinka added. "I was feeling good. I was moving well. I was playing aggressive. I liked the conditions. I'm super happy with the performance and the level. It's really positive for me."
Earlier, Carlos Alcaraz shrugged off any injury fears as he tamed JJ Wolf to roar into the second round.
The Spanish world number three's participation at Roland Garros was in doubt after he pulled out of the Italian Open earlier this month due to an issue with his forearm.
But the two-time major winner was in no obvious discomfort as he bared his teeth by dropping just four games against American Wolf.
Wearing a protective sleeve on his right arm, the 21-year-old Wimbledon champion crashed down five aces and clubbed 27 winners in a statement 6-1 6-2 6-1 victory on Court Philippe Chatrier.
He said: "I'm really happy to be back here in Paris to compete again, it's been a very difficult month for me because I love competing.
"I've tried everything I could to be at 100% here at Roland Garros to show my best tennis, and I think I did that today.
"I would have loved to have played more matches but I don't need too many matches to get to 100 per cent. I did really good preparation this past two weeks and practices with top players. My forearm is getting better and better."
Additional reporting: PA
