Stan Wawrinaka is the top star at the ATP tournament in Geneva. However, the Swiss feels anything but comfortable at the tournament in his home country and only plays for his fans.
Actually Stan Wawrinka cancelled for the home tournament in Geneva to accept a wildcard after all.
A few weeks ago there was a conflict between the tournament manager and the three-time Grand Slam winner. The reason for the difference of opinion was the Swiss’s starting fee, which Wawrinka demanded and which, according to the ATP tournament leadership, was too high.
Now Wawrinka explained at a press conference that he will take part in the tournament in his home country: “I didn’t feel welcome here from the beginning. But for me, the most important thing is to play here in Switzerland.”
So his fans are more important to Wavrinka than the money. The 33-year-old also made this clear: “I would like to make it clear that I have received a large financial offer from Lyon. I refused because it is more important for me to play in front of a home audience. I’m here for the fans and the tournament helpers who have been fantastic with me in the past years.”
The tournament in Geneva is the dress rehearsal for the French Open for the Swiss. A knee operation last year forced the 33-year-old to take another break. Wawrinka missed almost the entire clay court masters season and continued working on his comeback. In Rome, “Stanimal” made an attempt to return to the tour and failed in the first round due to Steve Johnson.
The knee and its physique have improved, Stan The Man explained: “My knee feels good, physically I am ready. Of course I miss the matches, the victories, the trust. Training’s going well. But I know that the first match will be difficult.”
So practice is the goal for the tournament in Geneva. Last year Wawrinka triumphed in front of his home fan and won his only title there in 2017.
For the upcoming showdown in Roland Garros, Wawrinka takes the chance to serve at a tournament in his home country. This is an opportunity “that you don’t get very often in your career,” Wawrinka continues.
The first match for the man with the tough backhand is against the American Jared Donaldson.