At the age of 35 Stan Wawrinka has no intention of walking away from the sport anytime soon.
The three-time Grand Slam champion is currently ranked 18th in the world and is the second oldest top 20 player on the ATP Tour after compatriot Roger Federer. Prior to this week, he has achieved a win-loss record of 10-5 in 2020 with his best results being a run to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in January and winning a Czech Challenger event in August.
Wawrinka’s latest challenge is taking place this week at the St Petersburg Open where he is the fifth seed. He experienced a roller-coaster start to his campaign after saving multiple match points and coming back from a break down in the decider to defeat Great Britain’s Dan Evans 3-6, 7-6(3), 7-5. Speaking to reporters following his match, the Swiss player explains what motivates him to keep playing on the Tour.
“I just love this game. We are lucky that we have the opportunity to play tennis at this level,” he said. “I always take motivation from the fans, their support inspires me. Now, of course, the world is in a difficult situation.’
“I am grateful to this sport for what it gives me and I think that I will still be able to achieve high results before the end of my career.”
Despite his record, it has been more than three years since Wawrinka last won a title of any sort. Since then he has featured in three additional finals with the most recent being at the European Open almost 12 months ago. Undoubtedly he is hungry for some silverware to be added to his collection but this isn’t his first priority.
“I just want to regain the confidence that I had before by being able to win matches. I believe that this is what I need to focus on: winning more matches and thus better preparing for the next season.” He said.
In Russia Wawrinka’s next test will be against world No.121 Evgeny Donskoy in the second round on Wednesday in what will be their first ever meeting. Donskoy defeated Egor Gerasimov of Belarus in his opening match.
“I can say that it will be an interesting match. He plays great. I watched his match a little, which he played before mine. I have to be focused on my game during the upcoming fight with Donskoy,” Wawrinka previewed.
So far in his career Wawrinka has won more than $34.4 million in prize money along with 16 ATP titles.
