Third seed Stan Wawrinka is remaining in a defiant mood after going out of the Australian Open in five sets to Roger Federer.
The US Open champion struggled with a knee injury throughout the match, but still managed to fight back from two-sets down against the 17-time grand slam champion. Chances came and went for Wawrinka as he failed to convert eight out of 12 break point opportunities, two of which occurred in the decisive set. The loss is a bitter blow for the Swiss number one as he focuses on the positives.
“I cannot just be happy to win two sets against Roger. I just lost a five-set match in semi-final of Australian Open.” Said Wawrinka.
“I’m proud of myself, of the fight I gave tonight and all the tournament. I think there is a lot of positive from this tournament, from Brisbane, from the month already.”
“For sure I’m really sad and disappointed with a loss like that because to be that close to have won a semifinal, I can be only sad.”
It could be very easy for the triple grand slam champion to blame part of his loss on a knee injury, which has troubled him throughout the Melbourne tournament. Wawrinka’s coach, Magnus Norman, recently described the issue as ‘minor’ whilst talking to British journalist Simon Chambers.
“It’s been for sure an issue since the beginning of the tournament. That’s for sure. Then again, it’s not an excuse at all.” He explained.
“I always try to fight on the court, to find a solution. I made the semifinal finals. I had the chance to win tonight. I had some opportunity in the fifth set.”
Wawrinka has now only won three out of 22 matches against Federer on the ATP Tour. Forcing his Davis Cup teammate to play five sets for the first time in their rivalry, Wawrinka has praised Federer’s performance in the match.
“At the end, I had a great battle against Roger. He’s a great fighter. He’s always been amazing in Grand Slam, in five-set match. I’m for sure sad to lose a match like that.” The world No.3 said.
“He’s amazing player to watch and to see on the court. He’s flying on the court. He’s playing amazing tennis. He’s the best player ever. He can do anything he wants on the court.” He later added.
This week is the eighth time in Wawrinka’s career that he has reached the last four of a major tournament since 2013.
