Stan Wawrinka’s return to Roland Garros triggers memories of his sensational win over Novak Djokovic in last year’s final. The flashbacks will add extra motivation to his title defence, however, the Swiss player is under no illusion of how tough the task will be.
Seeded third in this year’s tournament, Wawrinka enters the tournament fresh off his triumph at the Geneva Open. 24 hours ago Wawrinka defeated former US Open champion Marin Cilic to win his first ever ATP title on home soil. The decision to play a tournament so near to a major event was questioned by some. On the other hand, Wawrinka sees his home triumph at something that he can build on in Paris.
“I’m happy to have won yesterday. It was an important tournament for me.” Wawrinka said about his Geneva win.
“For sure it’s late arriving for a Grand Slam, especially if you want to go far in a Grand Slam, but I think I’m feeling good. I’m feeling fit. My tennis is there, and I’m ready to play my first match tomorrow.”
His opening match will be against the Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol, a player who first rose to fame by defeating Rafael Nadal in the second round of the 2012 Wimbledon championships. The defending champion has already played the Czech twice this year, including last week’s Geneva Open. Despite winning both of the encounters, Wawrinka is still cautious about his first round match.
“He’s a dangerous player. He’s serving big. He’s going for his shots. You never know what to expect, really. You need to be really solid and stay there.” The 31-year-old said about Rosol.
“It really depends. It’s all going to be how I’m going to feel tomorrow how I’m going to play and if I play well enough to beat him.”
The calibre in the men’s draw will make Wawrinka’s route to French Open title No.2 tough, especially during the second week of the tournament if all goes according to plan. Milos Raonic, who defeated him at this year’s Australian Open, and Andy Murray stands in the way of Wawrinka reaching the final. Murray could be a particular tough opponent given his recent record on the tour. After reaching the final of the Madrid masters, the world No.2 defeated Novak Djokovic in the final of the Rome Masters. Overall Djokovic is considered by many as the favourite for the title as he chases after his maiden Roland Garros trophy.
“Presently, I’d say that Novak is the main favourite. It was the case last year, as well.” The Swiss said about the favourites for the title.
“I think to beat him, it’s going to be very difficult, and then there is Murray and Nadal on an equal footing, and then I’m just after them.”
Incredibly leading up to the second grand slam of the season, Wawrinka has played only one top-10 player on the tour this year. On that occasion he lost 6-4, 6-1, to Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.
Wawrinka will start his French Open campaign against Rosol on Monday.
