Stan Wawrinka says his desire to compete among the best in the world is still there after crashing out in the second round of the French Open.
The 2015 champion was ousted by Russia’s Pavel Kotov 7-6(5), 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(5), in a late-night showdown on Wednesday evening. It is the third year in a row that Wawrinka has failed to win back-to-back matches at the tournament. He has now made 19 main draw appearances in the French Open and is the oldest player to enter into the singles draw in this year’s event at the age of 39.
Despite suffering a loss to world No.56 Kotov, the three-time Grand Slam champion later hailed the support he received from the crowd.
“It’s the first time I’ve experienced such an atmosphere here,” Le Matin quoted Wawrinka as saying.
“There were a lot of fans who came after the end of the match on Philippe-Chatrier. There was a crazy atmosphere, I really felt like I was playing at home. It brings more memories and it makes me want to continue. Because experiencing that is very rare.”
This season some of Wawrinka’s rivals over the years are either playing their final French Open or have hinted that there is a good chance it may be their last. Dominic Thiem and Diego Schwartzman said farewell in the qualifying tournament. Then Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray made first round exits with both of them not fully committing to how much longer they will continue playing. Furthermore, Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp confirmed he is considering his future in the sport and Richard Gasquet said on Wednesday ‘You never know when it’s going to happen‘ when asked how much longer he will continue playing.
As for Wawrinka, who will turn 40 next March, he has no plans of stepping away from the sport soon as long as he can remain competitive on the court.
“It’s in twelve months and at my age, we can’t see that far,” he said.
“The desire is there and I think the level is too. We now have to win matches and maintain a certain ranking to be able to play this type of tournament.”
Should good luck fall on his side, Wawrinka might be returning to Roland Garros in the summer for the Olympic Games. However, he is currently ranked 98th in the world and faces tough opposition for a wild card. Up to two wild cards are up for grabs for former Grand Slam champions or gold medal winners. Also in contention are Nadal and Murray.
“I would like to do them (the Olympics) but I would not have the required ranking. Someone will have to give me an invitation. I looked at the rules: if I have a little luck, it should go well. But I’m not sure.” He commented.
Wawrinka’s Grand Slam win-loss record currently stands at 157–67.
