Three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka is drawing positive from his run at the Sofia Open after crashing out of the semifinals on Saturday.
Wawrinka, who was the top seed in the ATP 250 tournament, crashed out to Bosnia’s Mirza Basic. A player who is yet to break into the top 100 on the tour. The Swiss 32-year-old was the only top 20 player participating following the withdrawal of Grigor Dimitrov last week.
“For me – I am not where I want to be so I am trying to get back to my level.” Said the world No.15.
“It was very positive to play these matches, to play the semi-final. For sure it would be great to win one more match, but I need to take the positive from this week.”
Sofia is only Wawrinka’s second tournament since returning back to the tour from knee surgery. Last year he ended his season following his first round loss at Wimbledon to Daniil Medvedev. This week was the first time he has been able to win back-to-back matches in a tournament since his run to the French Open final last May.
“I knew it will be difficult, but it was positive to have three matches in a row and to win two matches.” He explained.
“For sure it costs me more energy to win matches, since I am not used to play matches, but that is what I have to do to get back to my level.”
It is unclear as to when Wawrinka will return back to his top form, but the signs are promising. Declaring that he is ‘happy and positive’ about his surgery, the Swiss is confident that he is heading in the right direction.
The next test will be the Rotterdam Open. An event where Wawrinka will be the fifth seed and he could play compatriot Roger Federer in the quarterfinals. Wawrinka is a former champion of the event, defeating Tomas Berdych in the 2015 final. Although this time his focus isn’t on winning the trophy.
“I am moving well, I am playing well, but it is a part of a process, to play more matches, to become more confident.” He explained about his current form.
“There are a lot of things that you have to put together. It is not only about fitness, not only about tennis. It is also about being more relaxed while you play.”
Wawrinka will play Dutch wild card Tallon Griekspoor in his first round match in Rotterdam.
