This time of the year is one that brings mixed emotions for the formidable Stan Wawrinka.
Known as a player who likes to shine on the big stages of the tour, which is illustrated by his three grand slam titles, the grass has been an Achilles heel. He is yet to win a title on the surface and only played in one final back in 2013 at the Rosmalen Championships. On the ATP Tour, he has won 29 out of 58 matches played on the grass so far in his career.
Despite the record, the Swiss No.2 is fresh in confidence following his run at the French Open. Where he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas on route to the quarter-finals. His best performance in a grand slam tournament for two years.
“It hasn’t been easy the past few days because the weather has been really windy,” Wawrinka told Ubitennis about his transition from clay to the grass.
“It’s not easy to play some nice tennis on the grass, but I’m happy to be back here (at Queen’s). It’s a nice tournament, normally amazing conditions and I’m looking forward to starting.”
In Wawrinka’s corner this month is a fresh face to his team in the shape of Dani Vallverdu. A Venezuelan-born tennis professional, who has previously coached Andy Murray, Thomas Berdych, and Grigor Dimitrov. The agreement is that Vallverdu will work alongside Wawrinka’s existing coaching setup.
“He came into the team to be with me along with Yannick (Fattebert) and Magnus (Norman),” Wawrinka explained.
“We are going to do the grass court season (together). I’m looking forward and I’m happy he is here with his experience.”
It is unclear as to if this will just be a short-term arrangement or anything longer. Wawrinka has confirmed that they will review the situation towards the end of the grass-court season. Meaning there is a prospect of Vallverdu becoming a regular member of the camp.
Wawrinka’s win-loss record by surface (ATP/Grand Slam only)
Clay: 182-91 (0.534 win rate)
Hard: 282-161 (0.635 win rate)
Grass: 29-29 (0.500 win rate)
Carpet: 8-9 (0.471 win rate)
Almost four years have passed since Wawrinka last won back-to-back matches on the grass. That was at the 2015 Wimbledon championships when he reached the quarter-finals. Since that run, he has only managed to win three additional matches on the grass.
“To try to improve and play my best tennis.” He said about his 2019 goals. “Grass has always been a challenge for me. I’m happy to be back and to be healthy and playing well. Hopefully, I can play well.”
Despite his patchy record, the world No.19 is keeping upbeat about his chances. His first test will be at The Queen’s Club, which is the venue of the Fever-Tree Championships. He is seeded seventh in the draw.
“I feel fully ready and fully fit. I’m happy to start the grass season. I’m playing well.” He concluded.
Wawrinka will play Dan Evans in his first-round match. Evans is currently on a 10-match winning streak after claiming back-to-back Challenger titles.
