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Wawrinka opens Australian Open title defense with win

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MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Stan Wawrinka began the defense of his Australian Open title with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over Turkey's Marsel Ilhan on Tuesday.

Wawrinka was barely tested against the No. 100-ranked Ilhan, striking 34 winners and saving the only two break points he faced.

The Swiss player is coming off a breakthrough season that saw him capture his first Grand Slam title, reach a career-high ranking of No. 3 and add the Davis Cup trophy with teammate Roger Federer in November.

Wawrinka is coming off a season-opening title at the Chennai Open, which he also won last year before his surprising run to the Australian Open championship.

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