Less than 24 hours after indicating that he was on course to play at the Australian Open, Stan Wawrinka has withdrawn from an exhibition tournament in Melbourne.
The three-time grand slam champion was set to play in The Tie Break Tens event on Wednesday in what was going to be a test of his fitness ahead of next week. Wawrinka hasn’t played an ATP Tour match since July after undergoing surgery on his knee. Recently he has been seen practicing in Melbourne with the intention of making a comeback next week. Although this now appears to be up in the air.
“I basically came here (to Melbourne) to get the answer to see if I’m ready to play or if I’m not ready to play,” Wawrinka told reporters earlier this week.
“When you play a match it’s different to practice. You also add the stress, you also start to be more tight in the movement.
“So, for sure, I will play only if I have zero risk.”
While there continues to be ongoing concerns about Wawrinka’s fitness, the signs are positive. The Swiss No.2 believes that his recovery in going in the right direction as he looks for a coach to replace Magnus Norman.
“I came here with a lot of doubt. I’m improving. It’s been a long time now, six months, so it’s tough to be at that level. I cannot do everything yet but I’m happy with the way I’m practising so far.” He explained.
“I know it’s gonna take more time to be 100 per cent but as long as my knee is doing well, that’s the most important.”
There is yet to be any comment from Wawrinka concerning his decision to pull out of the Tie Break Tens tournament. He will be replaced in the draw by Canada’s Milos Raonic. Raonic will take on Dominic Thiem in his first match.
