Stan Wawrinka Gives Huge Retirement Hint, Says May Not Return for Next Australian Open

Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka has given a broad hint that he may be close to reaching the end of his career.

In an interview with Australian business daily Financial Review, the three-time Grand Slam champion said at his age, it’s about revving up an old engine and hope it lasts the year.

Stan Wawrinka to play Murray River Open, skip ATP Cup

Wawrinka said that while he is determined to push for his fourth Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, it might take him a few matches to find his groove and eventually be on top of his game.

Currently placed 18th in the singles rankings, Wawrinka will lead the field of stars at the Murray River Open, a tune-up ATP event before the action shifts to Melbourne Park. Home favorite Nick Kyrgios, who would mark his return to Grand Slam tennis this year, and rising Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime will also feature in the event.

The 2014 Australian Open champion said that it’s his urge to compete for titles that has brought him back to kangaroo country.

“I’m really looking forward to this feeling of stress and emotion at the same time. That’s what I’m here for and I’m really happy to be here,” the veteran Swiss said.

Wawrinka, however, won’t represent his country at the ATP Cup in Brisbane this year.

Wawrinka vows to push for titles this year

Well into his thirties now, the Swiss star said the fact that he has to get his “engine going” every time he steps on court these days makes him realize that he’s “getting older”.

On his future in the game, Wawrinka conceded that considering the stage that he has reached in his career, he is unsure if he will keep playing in the next one or two years.

However, he promised to strain his every bone to stay in the hunt for more titles this year. “I’m going to try and push as much as I can this year,” the Swiss said.

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The 35-year-old hasn’t won a title in the men’s Tour or Grand Slams since 2017. His last Tour championship win was at the outdoor clay-court event in Geneva.