Three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka has waived the money he earned playing at last week’s Open 13 in Marseille.
Wawrinka, who was the top seed in the tournament, was forced to withdraw from his second round clash. Taking on Belarus’ Ilya Ivashka, he retired whilst trailing 4-6, 1-1, after experiencing pain in his knee midway through the opening set. Wawrinka underwent surgery on his knee last year and return to competitive tennis at the Australian Open.
“I’m told by my team, unfortunately and fortunately, these are normal pains,” he told reporters last week. “I have to take the positive I can find each day, in my tennis, physique, movement, and keep working.”
Following his early exit, the Swiss has donated the appearance fee he received to play in the event. Tournament director Jean-François Caujolle said the donation will be split between his organisation and a series of charities. The total sum donated is in the range of 50,000 euros. Just under half of what Karen Khachanov won in Prize Money for claiming the title. Khachanov earned a total of €115,150 after defeating Lucas Pouille in Sunday’s final.
“There is a part that will stay with the organization and part towards associations,” Caujolle told L’Equipe. “It was Stan’s wish and I thought it was good. We could have said we keep everything, but it’s not in our mentality. It will be around 50,000 euros, or a little more, for the different associations. Some that will be chosen by the departmental council and two to which Stan contributes.”
Wawrinka has played four tournament since returning to the tour in January. He has won three out of seven matches played this season with a run to the last eight in Sofia being his best performance so far.
Currently ranked 12th in the world, Wawrinka’s next event will be the BNP Paribas Masters in Indian Wells. He has a wealth of points to defend at the tournament after reaching the final last year. He was denied the title by Roger Federer, who prevailed in straight sets.
