The taste of victory is so sweet that one can never get enough of it. Even for the 35 years-old Swiss professional Stan Wawrinka, the desire to win and to stay competitive is alive. In a conversation with his coach Daniel Vallverdu, his goals for the 2021 season came to the surface.
Being a three-time Grand Slam champion and a former World No. 3, Stan knows exactly what winning feels like. From 2017 until today, the Swiss player faced a knee injury and was ranked outside the Top 200. Recovering well in the last couple of years, Wawrinka ended this season as Number 18. However, that’s not at all satisfying for the backhand expert from Switzerland.
Unrealistic but Stan Wawrinka can win a Grand Slam, says his Coach
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His comeback came around last year when he reached the quarterfinals at French Open. Following that, he made two more quarterfinals appearances in a major tournament – the 2019 US Open, and the 2020 Australian Open.
Stan also joined forces with Andy Murray’s former coach Daniel Vallverdu halfway through 2019.
“The hunger is definitely there and he wants to make a last push now at the end of his career. The goals are not just to win tournaments, but to feel like he’s competitive at a high level,” Daniel said.
Both the coach and the player are working rigorously to deliver some great tennis above all.
Vallverdu added, “It would be unrealistic to say that the goals are to win a Grand Slam. Whether it can happen or not? Of course, it can.”
“A chance to achieve big results”: Wawrinka’s Coach
Fitness is the foremost element that dictates success at a particular tennis tournament. The Swiss player is well-aware of his strengths and weaknesses and is regularly training to be in his best shape.
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Even though he has a good motive, there are many next-generation players eager and qualified to win big.
“But with his potential and experience he feels if he is competitive against the guys that are at the top, he’s always going to have a chance to achieve big results,” his coach said.
Surely, the fans expect Wawrinka to end his epic saga with the loudest bang possible, and he is preparing for the same.
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Do you think Stan has still got what it takes to win a Grand Slam?
WATCH: Stan Wawrinka Intensifies Training as He Braces for 2021 Season