‘I Am Far Away From the Level I Want to Be’- Stan Wawrinka Analyzes His Return at Monte Carlo Masters 2022

Stan Wawrinka, the three-time Grand Slam champion and former world no.3, walked out of the circuit in 2021 due to a foot injury. The Swiss had a lukewarm start to the year and decided to go under the knife after his first-round dismissal at Qatar Open. Thereafter, in the year 2022, Stan made a comeback on the clay court, at the Monte Carlo Masters and spoke about his expectations for the same.

Stan Wawrinka About His Comeback

Stan, after staying for almost a year out of professional tennis, stepped into clay. One of the most difficult surfaces to play on, especially for someone returning from an injury. Even so, Wawrinka looked excited for the tournament. However, he also accepted that his tennis wasn’t at the best for the tournament as he said, “I am far away from the level I want to be. I still need lots of weeks and time on the court and also on the fitness to find the game I need to find. But it’s a good process so far and I am happy to be here.”

Further, he added, “I love playing tennis. I love playing in front of the fans. I miss the competition, I miss this atmosphere, this feeling when you are nervous but happy at the same time because you are entering a big match a big moment. So that’s one of the reason why i am coming back.”

Though because of the lost connection with tennis, the Swiss packed his bags in the very first round of the tournament; After facing defeat at the hands of  Alexander Bublik, the Kazakhstani tennis professional, in three sets, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Read more: Stan Wawrinka 2021: Net Worth, Salary and Endorsements

Currently, Wawrinka is gearing up for the upcoming Italian Open. Hence, it can be said that Stan still has the will and love for the game. The Swiss ace will lock horns with American professional Reilly Opelka.

Wawrinka’s Next Opponent

The 24-year-old American star Reilly Opelka recently achieved his career highest ranking of world no.17. Also, he had a run till the fourth round of Indian Wells and claimed the title at ATP Huston by conquering John Isner in straight sets.

Further, He made it up to the semifinals of the Italian Open 2021, taking a straight-set victory in every match and facing defeat against the eventual winner, Rafael Nadal. Speaking of Head to head records, Wawrinka trails behind by the score of 0-1. Stan and Reilly met each other for the first time on the grass court of Wimbledon and the American bagged victory in a five-set long match.

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Both the players will see each other for the second time on the red surface for a seat in the second round of the Italian Open on 9th May.