Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka has officially withdrawn from the upcoming US Open as he continues his recovery from a left foot injury.
Wawrinka, who won the New York major back in 2016, hasn’t played a match on the Tour since the Doha Open back in March where he lost in the first round to Lloyd Harris. Since then, Wawrinka has been troubled by a foot issue which resulted in him undergoing surgery. On August 4th he posted a photo on social media of the cast he was wearing on his foot along with the caption ‘first stage of rehab’ followed by a green tick.
During a live stream on the Instagram account of sports equipment company Yonex, the 36-year-old has shed some light on what he describes as a ‘difficult’ past few months but gave no indication about when he might be able to return to the Tour.
“The last few months have been difficult. I had two operations on my foot, and the second was six weeks ago. I just took the cast off, so that’s my first time since can walk normally again for six weeks.” Said Wawrinka.
“Now I need time and you have to be patient. It’s not something that athletes like, but it’s part of the job, and I know that I’m on the right track to play again. That’s my big motivation at the moment,” he added.
Since lifting the US Open title, the world No.31 has withdrawn from the tournament three times. He was unable to defend his title in 2017 after opting to undergo surgery on his left knee. Three years later he skipped the event due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now this year it is his foot that has sidelined him.
The absence of Wawrinka from New York is good news for another former champion. Andy Murray, who lifted the title back in 2012, will now get direct entry into the tournament. Murray is currently ranked 105th in the world.
Another player in doubt is Roger Federer who has pulled out of events in Toronto and Cincinnati due to his knee. The 40-year-old is yet to make any formal announcement concerning his plans in the coming weeks. Reigning champion Dominic Thiem is also in doubt as he continues his recovery from a wrist problem.
The US Open will start on August 30th.
