Three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka Hopes to play at the upcoming Australian Open, despite admitting that he is still ‘not 100%’ during a press conference.
Wawrinka hasn’t played on the tour since Wimbledon due to a knee injury. Undergoing surgery earlier in the year. He resumed training earlier this month for the first time since July with the goal of being able to return to action at the start of 2018.
“It’s better, but I’m not 100%. I will work hard.” Wawrinka said about the current state of his knee, according to journalist Arnaud Cerutti.
“Everything has changed in a good way. The goal is to go to the Australian Open.”
The exact problem bothering the 32-year-old was a hole in his knee cartilage. A cartilage is a connective tissue found in many parts of the body. Wawrinka has revealed that the issue has been bothering him since the 2016 US Open, when he last won a major title. Despite his absence, Wawrinka is still ranked in the top 10 at ninth in the world. Although, that is only a small consolation for the Swiss player.
“Honestly there has been no good time during this period.” He stated.
It was during his hiatus from the sport when it was revealed that Wawrinka’s Coach, Magnus Norman, had departed. The Swede, who is a former world No.2 player, ended their four-year collaboration due to ‘personal reasons.’ Under his guidance, Wawrinka reached 17 ATP finals, winning titles in 12 of those.
Norman’s departure has left a sour taste of the mouth of Wawrinka. Labeling the decision as a ‘big disappointment’ for him during a tough moment of his career.
“Norman’s departure was a big disappointment. A shock. In the toughest moments of your career you should be able to count on your closest ones. It was a bad surprise.” He said.
There is currently no plan to replace the Swede immediately. Although Wawrinka did mention Paul Annacone as a potential replacement. American coach Annacone is known best for his six-year coaching stint with Pete Sampras and has also previously mentored Roger Federer. It is unclear as to if the two men have held any formal discussions about the role.
Wawrinka has also set out his planned schedule for 2018. After the Australian Open, he aims to play at tournaments in Rotterdam, Marseille, Indian Wells, Miami and Monaco. It will be his 18th season on the tour.
Prior to next year, the Swiss player will travel to Abu Dhabi to play in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. An annual exhibition event that will also feature Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. It will start on December 27th.
