Stan Wawrinka Blasts Media For Under-Appreciating Him

The three-time Grand Slam champion, Stan Wawrinka attacked the Swiss media and the World Number 17 tennis player mentioned that he no longer enjoys interacting with them. “There is an impression here, in this room and in Switzerland, that I have not had a good year,” Wawrinka uttered during the press conference in Basel. 

“I am exaggerating, but I have that feeling and, frankly, I have lost the joy of talking to the media in Switzerland. I’m 15th in the race, could theoretically qualify for the ATP finals. And you ask me: what are you missing to find your best level again? Who won Grand Slam tournaments in the last few years? I’m the only one outside Big Four who has won three. This must not be forgotten,” said Stan Wawrinka.

The Swiss player has dwelled decently on the ATP Tour this season and made it two Slam quarterfinals. Wawrinka has won 31 out of 50 matches played this season and claimed four top-ten victories in 2019 (Two matches against Nishikori, one match against Tsitsipas and another win against Djokovic). However, the Swiss media infers that Wawrinka has had a substandard run on the ATP Tour.

“I’ve come back from a serious injury, I’m 15th in the race, was injured a month after the US Open and have just reached a final (in Antwerp). And I’m one of the few who beat Novak Djokovic, even though he had to give up in the third set (at the US Open). And you ask me what’s missing to win a Grand Slam title again?” He bickered with the Swiss media.

Former World Number three, Wawrinka bounced back from an injury this season his knee was completely inflamed after the US Open 2019. Also in 2017 he underwent a knee injury. The Swiss champion has been title-less since Geneva Open 2017, but nevertheless, he is determined to do well on the major courts and simultaneously he is being practical.

“Everything I did this year makes it a very good year. I have regained my confidence, have beaten the very best again at certain times. Sure, I did not win any Grand Slam tournaments, but who won them (Nadal and Djokovic). I’m back in a position where I know what I will be capable of next year. And that was my goal for 2019. Would I like to finish in the Top 10 this year? Yes. Would I like to win a Grand Slam title? Yes. But you also have to be a realist,” Wawrinka continued.

He further alluded to his topsy-turvy career on the ATP Tour which led him to win Grand Slam titles.

“Who knows, maybe I’ll win a Grand Slam title next year? My career has always been in stages. I know where I stand now. I continue to play to win titles and beat the best. I had an incredible career and won almost everything that is possible for a tennis player. I would not have much interest in continuing to play if I could not continue to win tournaments,” Wawrinka reflected.

The Swiss champion, Wawrinka pulled out from the quarterfinals of Swiss Indoors Basel 2019 due to aggravation in his back while playing Frances Tiafoe from the United States. He was drawn to face his World Number three, Roger Federer in the quarterfinals on the banks on the River Rhine.