LONDON: Three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka is refusing to get carried away with himself after winning his first match on the grass in almost two years.
Wawrinka, who has been hampered by a knee injury in recent months, dismissed British wild card Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-3. The 58-minute performance saw the Swiss player fire 13 aces as he dropped only four points behind his first serve. Displaying tennis that exceeds his current ranking of 261st in the world.
“It was a good match. I felt quite good.” Said Wawrinka.
“I was practising a lot the last few days, and I was really happy with the way I was playing on the grass, the way I am playing points, the way I am moving.
“For me it’s a great start and I’m happy to be able to play another match.”
The misfortunes of the 33-year-old has been well documented in the past. He returned to action in January after undergoing surgery on his right knee. Since then he has had to miss almost another three months between February-May to continue his rehabilitation process.
“Every day it’s getting better, and in general I am happy with my level, with what I am doing on the court.” He explained.
“The knee feels good, for sure. I can see it week after week getting better,
“I was able to move well. Was able to play my tennis, my game.”
Despite the positive vibe coming from the former world No.3, he is under no illusion of the tough task he faces. So far this year he has won five out of 12 matches played, including today’s triumph against Norrie. His season highlight is currently his run to the semifinals of the Sofia Open. The only tournament he has managed to win back-to-back matches at so far this season.
“I know the new few months will not be that easy. I just need to take every match, every win as something really positive and keep doing the right job every day to give myself a chance to come back quickly to the top level.”
It remains to be seen if Wawrinka can return back to his best level. So far in his career, he has won 16 ATP titles and is the only player outside of the big four to win multiple major trophies since 2006.
“I think my game is there. I think on the practice court I am playing really strong tennis. I feel positive with myself.” Wawrinka states.
“I just need to see what’s going to happen during the next few week’s on the grass.”
Should he win his second round match, it would be the first time Wawrinka has won back-to-back matches on the grass since the 2015 Wimbledon Championships. He will take on Sam Querrey next.
