Sports Pundit spoke to the Swiss - who since last year, is on a solid comeback road from his knee injury, ahead of the second round of the 2020 Australian Open.
THE MAGIC OF ATHLETES
How many times have you heard or used the expression “from another planet” when referring to athletes?
It doesn’t matter which sport they play, they are all on a mission, with awe-inspiring performances in store.
They challenge the limits to win, to excel in their game, leaving us breathless, with our jaws dropping, by doing what they love, and they certainly do it with passion.
Some will break records, set new standards, bring the game to a different level, only a few become legends.
Nonetheless, all share the spirit of a fighter, challenging their minds and bodies, and if practice makes perfect, they are the first to put it to the test at an early age.
They show signs of being human when tumble, break, cry, but those moments never seem to last long.
Before anybody expects it, they are back at it, stronger than ever, fearless in the outside, sometimes even coping with pain in the inside.
By the time victory meets them again, they have become lions, so they’ll roar with all their soul.
It means all the hard work has been worth it, the team effort that goes on out of the spotlight has paid off.
THE GOAL: TO BE BACK AT THE TOP 10
World No. 15, Stanislas Wawrinka has delight tennis fans all over the world with his fiercest serves and ground-shaking performances wherever tennis court hes playing in.
The former AO champion, started the 2020 season at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha, early this month.
In that regard, the Swiss told Sports Pundit: “I love to play in Doha, it’s surely one of the best events on Tour.”
Also, the 34-year-old assessed his performance in the tournament, as he explained, “It was important for me to get as many matches under my belt before coming to Melbourne. Although I was disappointed to lose in the semifinal after being a set up, I managed to play five matches, and that was a good intro for the Australian Open.”
Wawrinka knows the tournament well, in fact, the Australian Open set his first major, back in 2014.
“You always remember your firsts, hence why the Australian Open is and will remain so special to me,” Stan said to Sports Pundit.
The AO is the first out of three grand slams under his belt. He also won the French Open in 2015 and the US Open in 2016.
SP: What are the particularities of the Australian Open from your point of view?
SW: “I think the Australian mentality is what makes this event so special. I love the people here; love their way of life and the fact they simply adore tennis. They don’t call it Happy Slam for nothing!”
On Tuesday, the 15th seed at the season’s first Grand Slam, at Melbourne Park, advanced to the second round after playing World No. 92 Damir Dzumhur and triumph imposing his game.
The 27-year-old Bosnian fell to Wawrinka in four sets 7-5 6-7(4) 6-4 6-4.
SP: You’ve said your goal is to be back at the Top 10 on the FedEx ATP ranking. Currently ranked No. 15, 2019 has been a year where your tennis took you back at different tournaments finals.
How does a professional tennis player who is coming back from the injuries you sustained, prepares not only physically, but mostly mentally, to literally get back in the game?
SW: “I believe every player copes with injuries differently, but it’s never easy, no matter what stage you are in your career. I had a difficult time coming back from my knee surgery, but with a solid season last year, I came close to coming back to the Top 10. Now that I am 15 in the world, I want more, and I want to be in a position to beat the best players in the world. That would be a huge satisfaction for me in the remainder of my career.”
In 2017 the Swiss underwent two surgeries on his left knee.
Since becoming a professional tennis player in 2002, Wawrinka has won 16 singles titles - three Grand Slams and one ATP 1000 Masters.
SP: In which aspects do you feel your tennis has evolved the most with the years?
SW: “Probably the mental part is something that changed and evolved the most. I believe mental toughness is something you learn throughout your career. I have had my share of ups and downs in my career, but I’ve been fortunate to be strong on the big stage. To be able to bring my A-game in the biggest matches of my career is something that I am very proud of.”
SP: Many boys and girls dream of becoming a professional tennis player one day. What would your advice be?
SW: “Just enjoy! Tennis is a wonderful way of living your life. It gives you great options in the future, even if you don’t become a professional player. It gives you great values, work ethic, perseverance; so dream big, and be the best players you can be; give it all you have, and one day you’ll be super proud of yourselves.”
On Thursday night, the Swiss, Roland Garros champion in 2015 will meet Andreas Seppi for the second round.
The 35-year-old Italian is currently World No. 85 haven reached a career-high as World No. 18 in 2013.