After only being able to play four tournaments over the past nine months, Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka sees light at the end of the tunnel.
In 2017 he was forced to end his season after the Wimbledon Championships in order to undergo surgery on his knee. The 33-year-old started his comeback in January at the Australian Open, where he lost in the second round. Wawrinka then went on to play another three events on the tour before his return was once again halted. During the Sofia Open he retired in the second round due to more pain in his knee. Prompting him to step away from the tour for the second time in 12 months.
Hopes were raised that the Swiss No.2 would feature in next week’s Madrid Open, but he has since withdrawn as a ‘precautionary measure.’ His target is now the Italian Open, which follows immediately after Madrid.
“I gave up playing in Madrid next week purely for precaution,” Wawrinka said yesterday in a press conference. “I lost 10 days of training due to a calf injury. Now I’m on a two-week training block with the help of Magnus Norman.
“My goal remains to return to my best level. I think I can do it in the long run. I (can) train 100%. The knee is holding.“
Last week photos surface of Wawrinka training with former coach Norman. The two collaborated for four years between 2013-2017. Norman, who reached the final of the 2000 French Open, stepped away from Wawrinka’s team to ‘spend more time with his family.’ Joining forces once again, both are remaining coy on what the future holds for them.
“Currently it’s all about the preparation. He has been training with me in Nyon (Switzerland) since last week and will do so next week.” Blik.ch quoted Wawrinka as saying.
“After the two weeks, we will look ahead.” he added.
As a result of his physical setbacks, Wawrinka is not thinking too far ahead when it comes to his schedule. After Rome, he is set to play at the Geneva Open, which takes place a week prior to Roland Garros. He is a two-time champion of the event. As for potential Davis Cup duties this year, Wawrinka is yet to decide if he will play.
“I do not want to project myself so far (ahead), but my programming this year will have nothing to do with that of previous years. My injury has changed everything.” He said.
The three-time grand slam champion is currently ranked 25th in the world. He has a total of 1640 points to defend during the clay season.
