Stanislas Wawrinka told journalist Nicholas Albek at the BNP Paribas Nordic Open in Stockholm, Sweden, is not considering retirement at age 39 with a ranking of 217. The former world no. 3 used a wildcard to defeat Brandon Nakashima 64 64 in the first round in Stockholm. Full interview link here
I was feeling great on the court today
“I was feeling great. I have been feeling good in practising the last few days and I was feeling good on the court, so I was happy to play that level already from the first match. I was moving well and my game was aggressive. I am very happy with the victory.”
I will continue playing
“I have never said, I am taking any decision regarding retirement this year. I have said I am becoming older, and of course I am close to the end, but I am still playing well and being competitive when I play.”
“I enjoy what I am doing and enjoy waking up and going to practise and still have the chance to play at such a nice tournament like here. As long as I am enjoying that, I am going to keep pushing a little bit.”
“I think it is amazing to be a tennis player and when I was a kid, I dreamed of doing that as a job. I have had the chance to win many trophies, even many big trophies and I had the chance to achieve more of what I call my dream. I will keep pushing.”
The motivation has to come from inside
“Tennis is a game, so you need to enjoy what you are doing, and if you are passionate about what you are doing, you need to keep going, and that’s what I will do.”
“The motivation has to come from inside. If you have to force yourself to keep being motivated, that means you are not passionate enough about what you are doing. It’s not easy every day, but I love being a tennis player, so that’s why it is easy to push myself.”
Wawrinka will face 25 year old Alejandro Davidovich, ranked 64, in the round of 16 at Stockholm, it will be their first ATP clash.
Nordic Open · Stan Wawrinka · Stockholm · Switzerland · Yonex
Scoop Malinowski · October 17, 2024 at 9:13 am
Stan has earned over $36m in prize money and probably a lot more in bonuses, sponsorship deals and appearance fees.
Steve · October 17, 2024 at 9:49 am
I got my orange Yonex, the racquet he endorsed, after he won his first slam because I was so blown away by his effort to emerge from Federer’s shadow and maximize his potential with wins over Djokovic, Berdych and Nadal.
He also played in two of the greatest matches I have ever seen. His French Open win over Djokovic and “the clash of the one-handers” in the 2015 Wimby quarter finals.
Scoop Malinowski · October 17, 2024 at 11:43 am
Steve have to be honest, a small part of my suspicious mind wonders if Stan was better than Federer or equal or a lot closer to him than results indicate, but he had to stay in his shadow. Because RF was the establishment franchise hero. I think Wawrinka is underrated, his best level was unbelievable. Stan and Fed won the Olympic gold because of Stan’s play, he carried them to the gold but nobody remembers that Fed was not the best player on the Swiss side of the net.
Steve · October 18, 2024 at 7:52 am
Yeah, his peak Stanimal level allowed him to hit through everyone but he couldn’t maintain it day in/day out.
Scoop Malinowski · October 18, 2024 at 8:01 am
Stan hasn’t played Laver Cup. After mirka heckled him on court about being a crybaby, I don’t think Stan likes Federer anymore. keeps his distance.
Steve · October 21, 2024 at 10:25 am
I remember that. That was extremely lame of her.
Scoop Malinowski · October 21, 2024 at 12:36 pm
Worst behavior of a players GF or wife of all time. To distract a player like she did and interrupt a match was horrible. If Djokovic wife Jelena did that, imagine how the media would have crucified her. Mirka’s been muzzled ever since, no interviews.