A bitterly disappointed Stan Wawrinka has admitted that his confidence on the tour needs to be improved following his second round loss at Wimbledon on Thursday.
The three-time grand slam champion crashed out in straight sets to Italy’s Thomas Fabbiano, losing 7-6(7), 6-3, 7-6(6). During the clash, which started yesterday before it was delayed due to poor weather, Wawrinka had numerous chances to get back into the match. During the third set he had four set points, two on each day, but failed to convert any of them. Allowing the Italian world No.133 to move into the third round for the first time in his career.
“I’m really disappointed to lose a match like yesterday and today. I thought I was playing really well yesterday.” Said Wawrinka.
“During the match, I was a little bit between in my game, not aggressive enough, not moving well enough.”
Wawrinka’s loss comes after what was a stellar start to his Wimbledon campaign. In the first round he knocked out sixth seed Grigor Dimitrov to record his first top-10 win during an injury-stricken season. The Swiss player underwent surgery on his knee last year and missed a further two-and-a-half months this year to continue his rehab process. Looking on the positive side of his current situation, Wawrinka is seeking solace in his current fitness.
“Right now I’m really happy with my fitness level. My tennis game, I’ve been practising really well the last few weeks. I’ve been pushing myself, pushing my body. I think my level is there.” He explained.
Physically things are going well, but it is the mental side that he is struggling with. Now ranked outside the world top 200, Wawrinka faces a challenging climb to return back to the main stage of men’s tennis. Due to starting his comeback in January, the eligibility period for his protected ranking will soon expire. Meaning that he will have to rely on wild cards or go through the qualifying draw to play in the premier events later this year.
“Now it’s about getting back the confidence, winning some tough matches, finding a way how to win those points like the set points like yesterday. Those little things can change a tournament.” He said.
It is unclear when Wawrinka will return to action. Earlier this month he pulled out of clay-court events in Sweden and Switzerland due to medical advice. Asked directly about his plans in the near future at The All England Club, a despondent Wawrinka replied ‘I don’t know.’
