I’ve always liked Stan Wawrinka, he just seems like a good guy, plays fair and clean, good poise and composure, beautiful backhand, played incredible to help Roger Federer get his Olympic gold medal in doubles, in fact Wawrinka may have been the better player on the court that day.
But Wawrinka has also been frustrating because he has the talent and the power but his emotional side seemed to flat and stoic. He’s been, in some ways, an underachiever, in the shadows of that other guy from Switzerland.
But this week I detect a change in Wawrinka. There is a fire and passion in his demeanor that was missing before.
I noticed it in his first round match out on court eleven against Stepanek. Before this meeting Stan was 0-4 vs. Step and he was in trouble in the first set, smashing one of his Yonexes. But he battled back and eventually winning the first two sets and then earning a second break 5-2 in the third, evoking a very loud Come on shout from Stan. I can’t ever recall him shouting a loud Come on before. It didn’t hurt that there were three college age guys there at courtside, yelling and shouting encouragement to Stan, like “Stan The Man” “Come on Stan.”
Stan closed out Step, then Dr. Ivo in the second round, Baghdatis, and Berdych last night in the fourth round to make quarters.
Last night vs. Berdych, Stan was talking to himself, imploring himself to fight, pumping fists, and just playing macho, alpha male tennis. Wawrinka has clearly evolved into a different player now, utilizing new sources of motivation and inspiration. Could this be the missing piece of the puzzle?
Next up is Andy Murray for a spot in the semis against, most likely, Novak Djokovic, who he played in a five set, five hour marathon classic in January in Australia.
Do you see the changes in the 28 year old, eleven year ATP vet Wawrinka? I sure do.
Bonus:
Partial Biofile I did with Stan after he defeated Dr. Ivo last week…
Greatest Sports Moment: “The Olympic Games, for sure (doubles gold medal with Roger Federer in 2008).”
Most Painful Moment: “That was when we lost in Davis Cup to USA. 2012.”
Favorite Tournament: “French Open.”
Funniest Players Encountered: “I think, because he’s a good friend, Benoit Paire is quite funny, quite strange on the court. And quite a good person off the court.”
Toughest Competitor Encountered: “Nadal.”
Embarrassing Memory: “Not really, I don’t have really.”
Why Do You Love Playing Tennis: “It’s special. It’s a game. You play game, you play with a ball, you play agianst someone, you’re alone on the court. You need to find solutions every day, every match because every match is different.”
Favorite Players To Watch: “David Nalbandian. (Why him?) Because he’s playing so easy. You think he’s playing not full and he’s just playing with his touch and with his talent. I like to watch him. Andy Murray. Roger Federer, of course.”
Stangest Match: “I didn’t have any crazy match…I remember one match for sure, against Djokovic this year in Australia. Amazing match, playing five hours.”
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Thomas Tung · September 4, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Good to see Stan doing so well — he happily surprised me by re-entering into the Top 10 earlier this year. He’s got a big game, and showed it by shutting down Berdych (he seems to do well against the big Czech more often than not). Looks like his head is settling down nicely, hope he can keep it up through out this tournament, and the rest of the year.
Mitch · September 4, 2013 at 2:56 pm
He’s actually been playing with more belief and passion since the beginning of the year. Remember his epic match with Djokovic at the Australian Open?
Doogie · September 4, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Magnus Norman is a very good coach. He also helped Soderling (I really miss him btw) to play with more self belief. The Swed always was a shot maker but could not play at for one whole match and often he begun to doubt. Norman gave him the confidence and after some time he really believed he can beat the top guys.
I see some comparision to Stan.
@ Scoop
His ultra loud “ALLEZ” shouting is well known on Tour for years and was followed by some discussion on court by his opponent. He played one ultra aggression and ugly match against Almagro in South America. Was very funny to watch 🙂 Both shouting to each other.
Scoop Malinowski · September 4, 2013 at 8:03 pm
Wawrinka was too passive in his loss to Hewitt at Wimbledon. I spoke with Stan about playing Hewitt for my feature “Facing Hewitt” and he expressed huge respect for Hewitt, loves how he goes all out, enjoys to battle him, loves to watch him play too. Could have been a trace of deferral going on in that match similar to Delpo and Hewitt. But agree, Wawrinka has been more expressive this year and mot definitely for this US Open and he plays his best tennis when he shows his fire and passion and it’s awesome to see.
Andrew Miller · September 4, 2013 at 9:47 pm
Who knows. I can only see Wawrinka advance if he does. Semis is huge – reminds me of Verdasco’s breakthrough at the AO. Stan should recognize it’s now or never, I am sure he does.
Gans · September 4, 2013 at 11:19 pm
Couldn’t agree more guys! Stan ‘Wow’rinka!
Absolutely phenomenal player and competitor. He makes less errors in his BH than Federer.
Thomas Tung · September 5, 2013 at 1:54 am
Stan has the best one-handed backhand on tour, and seems to hit it harder than anyone else, too …
DanM · September 5, 2013 at 8:49 am
And to think, this is the same guy who lost to DY a couple of years ago at the Open!
Scoop Malinowski · September 5, 2013 at 8:52 am
Murray has looked somewhat vulnerable, if Gasquet can beat Ferrer, Stan can beat Murray. Can’t believe Gasquet beat Ferrer.
Scoop Malinowski · September 5, 2013 at 9:16 am
Thomas it may be the best. Stan has a lot of fans here in the US, all his matches draw good crowds and vocal crowds. Stan is definitely a crowd favorite.
Chiromah · September 5, 2013 at 11:04 am
I kind of like the way stan plays its like a second federer. Because they similar pattern of play. And he is doing good this season. I just hope he and roger both qualify for barclays final in november.
Scoop Malinowski · September 5, 2013 at 11:50 am
Two Swiss in the final eight would be amazing. Thanks for your comment Chiromah and welcome to our site.
Andrew Miller · September 5, 2013 at 5:18 pm
And there you have it wawrinka beats Murray in straights. I feel a Thomas johannson moment is en route. The kind of tj moment no idea.
Scoop Malinowski · September 5, 2013 at 9:25 pm
Wow. Just fantastic day for Mr. Wowrinka. He looked really impressive taking care of Step in straight sets in the first round, and now this monster win over Murray. Tell you what, I would not bet against Wowrinka right now. (Footnote: Credit to Gans for creating the moniker “Wowrinka” it’s a terrific nickname).
Bryan · September 8, 2013 at 8:26 pm
“I detect a change in Wawrinka. There is a fire and passion in his demeanor that was missing before.” – Not since the AO when he went life and death vs Federer. This has been a breakout season for Wawrinka and I expect him to advance further next season.