Stan Wawrinka vows to continue playing despite opening-round exit from Australian Open

Published at :January 26, 2024 at 1:07 PM

Modified at :January 26, 2024 at 1:07 PM

(Courtesy : Wikidata)

Stan Wawrinka lost to Adrian Mannarino in first round

Stan Wawrinka, the three-time Grand Slam champion, has dismissed any speculation about his retirement after losing in the first round of the Australian Open 2024.

The 38-year-old Swiss, who won the title in Melbourne in 2014, was beaten by France’s Adrian Mannarino in five sets, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-0.

Wawrinka, who is currently ranked 56th in the world, said he was happy with his performance and his preparation, despite suffering an injury in his last tournament of 2023.

“I was playing well, tough conditions against a tough player,” said the 38-year-old, now ranked 56 and at his 18th Australian Open.

“Couldn’t push myself more. I didn’t do the work I wanted in the off-season because I got injured in the last tournament. So it was a race a bit to come back here.

“But I’m quite happy with the 10 days I had here (in Australia).”

“Hopefully not. I will see how the year goes. It’s just the beginning of the year,” he said of hanging up his racquet.

“In general, I’m quite positive with where I am right now.

“Even after the loss, I think there is some good opportunity for me to keep pushing, keep playing and get some good results, and hopefully I can come back next year.

Apart from his on-court achievements, Wawrinka also made headlines for his off-court ventures. He collaborated with Yonex, his long-time racket sponsor, to launch his clothing line at the Australian Open 2024.

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One of the highlights of the clothing line is the Yonex Men’s Tennis Shirt, which Wawrinka wore during his matches. The shirt has a slim fit, a crew neck, and a stylish logo on the chest. It comes in various colors, such as white, black, blue, and red.

Wawrinka, who has been on tour since 2002, has won 16 titles and reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 in 2014. He also won the gold medal in doubles with Roger Federer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the Davis Cup with Switzerland in 2014.

He is one of the few players who have defeated the world No. 1 player in a Grand Slam final, having done so against Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

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