via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 10, 2021 Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka looks dejected after losing his second round match against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 10, 2021 Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka looks dejected after losing his second round match against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Stanislas Wawrinka has often been in the shadows of his compatriot, Roger Federer. Nonetheless, the 37-year-old has carved a niche for himself with some glittering tennis throughout his career. Often known as a big-match player, Wawrinka has delivered when it has mattered the most. Over his illustrious career, the Swiss star has gone on to win three Grand Slam singles titles.
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Last year, the former World Number 3 suffered a major foot injury that resulted in him missing a majority of the 2021 season. He underwent multiple surgeries that delayed his comeback to the ATP Tour. Recently, he opened up about his long battle with injury.
Stanislas Wawrinka talks about his lengthy injury layoff
During an interview, the Swiss star revealed how he battled his foot injury. He said, “This time last year, I was thinking about retiring. I have to be honest about that.”
Further, he went on to add, “I was wondering whether I would ever play at Wimbledon again. When I had surgery on my left foot in March 2021, the goal was to come back a few weeks later. But when they told me that I’d need a second surgery, I knew I’d be out for months and months. If I came back, I would not be the same player. I would be close to 37 years old.”
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 02: Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland stands dejected during his Gentlemen’s Singles quarter-final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day nine of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on July 2, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
DIVE DEEPER: “I’m Not Coming Back Just to Say Goodbye” – Stan Wawrinka Announces Return to Tennis at Monte Carlo Masters
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Further, talking about his rehabilitation, Wawrinka said, “When I began rehab, my body needed even more time to recover. I had the second surgery in June. By December I still could not walk properly. So you start to think. You go back over your career in search of motivation. You have to face all these uncomfortable facts, and each prompts a question.”
Wawrinka handed a difficult draw at Wimbledon 2022
The 37-year-old was handed a wildcard entry into the main draw of the Wimbledon Championships 2022. However, he will face a stern test in the form of Jannik Sinner in the opening round.
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It’ll be interesting to see if Wawrinka can regain his old mojo back.
