Three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka will not play another competitive match on the clay this year following advice from his medical team.
The 33-year-old was set to return to the dirt in July to play a duo of tournaments in Sweden and Switzerland. He has however been since advised to avoid any frequent surface changes. Wawrinka ended his season early last year to undergo knee surgery. He has already missed nearly three months of this season to continue rehabilitation on his knee. Since returning from his second period of absence in May, he has only managed to win one out of four matches on the tour.
“I was very much looking forward to giving my debut in Bastad as I’ve heard so many good things about this event. Also as everyone knows I always love playing in front of the Swiss fans. Gstaad means a lot to me and I hope that I can come back to this beautiful tournament in the future.” Wawrinka said in a statement.
“It’s never nice to withdraw from events but I need to listen to my medical team and follow their advice. I’ve been working very hard since almost a year to be where I am now and I don’t want to take the risk of any step backwards.”
In light of his recent troubles on the tour, the Swiss player is currently ranked 263rd in the world after his points earned from the 2017 French Open dropped off. This week is the first time Wawrinka has been ranked outside of the world’s top 250 since August 2003.
This year was set to be Wawrinka’s 11th appearance at the Gstaad Open and his first since 2013. At the tournament he reached his first ever ATP final back in 2005 at the age of 20. Settling for runner-up against Gaston Gaudio. Wawrinka is yet to play in Gstaad.
“We regret that Stan won’t be able to play in Gstaad, especially for our spectators, but we do of course understand his decision and the reasons behind it.” Said tournament director Jeff Collet.
Despite the duo of withdrawals, the former world No.3 will proceed with his current grass-court schedule. He will play at the Fever-Tree Championships in London next week leading up to Wimbledon.
Wawrinka currently has a win-loss of 4-7 this year.
