Three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka has been included in the latest group of players set to play at The Fever-Tree Championships at The Queen’s Club in London.
Wawrinka will grace his presence at the grass-court tournament alongside 2014 champion Grigor Dimitrov and 2016 finalist Milos Raonic. Despite his success on the tour in recent years, the 34-year-old is yet to win a title on the grass. His best ever performance on the surface was reaching the final of the Rosmalen Championships back in 2013. Furthermore, Wimbledon is the only major he is yet to reach the semi-finals at and he hasn’t won back-to-back matches there since 2015.
‘The Fever-Tree Championships is a great event and the grass courts at The Queen’s Club are perfect every year,” said Wawrinka. “I am very much looking forward to returning in June.’
This year will be Wawrinka’s seventh appearance at Queen’s. In three out of his past five appearances, he has lost to either the runner-up or champion of the tournament.”
Canadian world No.16 Raonic has described Queen’s as ‘the best way to prepare for Wimbledon.’ Since his run to the 2016 final, he has experienced disappointment at the tournament. Suffering a shock first round loss in the following year and then withdrawing from the 2018 event due to a right shoulder injury.
“You have some of the best players in the world competing at this event on pristine grass courts, with a very homely feel, at a tennis club. I think it’s great to be in London at that time of year as well. I really have enjoyed playing well there in the past, and hopefully I can continue to do so.” Said Raonic.
Meanwhile, Dimitrov is hoping that he will be able to continue his ‘special connection’ with the tournament.
“I have a special connection with everyone that works there and the crowd, and will always look back with happy memories on winning the event in 2014. I am already looking forward to coming back again in June.” The Bulgarian commented.
Queen's Club line-up:
Stan Wawrinka
Grigor Dimitrov
Marin Cilic
Milos Raonic
Stefanos Tsitsipas
Nick Kyrgios
Denis Shapovalov
Felix Auger-Aliassime
Kyle Edmund
Frances Tiafoe— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) April 26, 2019
The new events
Besides hosting the ATP 500 event, The Queen’s Club will also be the venue for two brand new tournaments in the sport. The Fever-Tree Wheelchair Tennis Championships is set to be the first-ever grass-court ranking wheelchair event to take place outside of Wimbledon. Eight players will participate in the draw with points won going towards the qualifying benchmark for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.
“‘Last year’s (exhibition) tournament was a huge success and we are delighted to be able to run it as a tour event with ranking points this year. Wheelchair tennis is a great sport for fans to watch, and the event is a fantastic addition to the Fever-Tree Championships.’ said tournament director Stephen Farrow.
The list of players participating will be announced in due course.
Taking place during the same time as the wheelchair tournament will be the inaugural Paul Hutchins Trophy. A tournament named in honour of the former British Davis Cup captain who passed away earlier this year following a fight with motor neuron disease. The under-18s tournament will see players from America and Great Britain play against each other. Each country will field four players.
“The Paul Hutchins Trophy is a fantastic way to honour my Dad. I know he would have been very proud of this and would have loved to have been able to watch the younger players compete at such an iconic location. I’m sure it will be an excellent event.” Former player Ross Hutchins said.
Both tournaments will take place during the Fever-Tree Championships, which will get underway on June 17th.
