Why Wawrinka is not thinking about retirement: “Want to push the machine to the limit”

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Stan Wawrinka (38) is not nearly enough. Even after the clear 3: 6, 1: 6, 6: 7 defeat in Wimbledon against Novak Djokovic (36), the Romand is bursting with desire and zest for action. In the third set he had sometimes defied the current number two in the world – with very spectacular tennis that caused a storm of enthusiasm on Center Court. “Without this third set it would be more difficult for me. But I can say that I played at a good level and felt a lot of support. I wouldn’t have all these emotions if I stopped playing.”

Just like at the French Open, where hearts flocked to him, he is also “Everybody’s Darling” in London. At any chance, no matter how small, it becomes deafeningly hard on the system. “Stan the Man” is and remains wildly popular on the tour.

Djokovic as a source of inspiration

After the match, the three-time Grand Slam winner posted two photos of herself lying on the lawn: “I may go down. But I won’t stay there.”

He is not thinking about stopping at the moment: “For me, despite my retirement, this is a positive tournament.” In addition to the strong third set against Djokovic, he also means the two convincing victories against Emil Ruusuvuori (24) and Tomas Martin Etcheverry (23). Wawrinka says: “That’s what spurs me on: I really want to get back to a good level – and I’m working on that every day now. I want to push the machine to its limits.”

Djokovic was “simply too strong”, but that’s exactly what inspires him: “He’s the best at the moment. It’s very motivating for me to watch a player like him.”

Conversely, in the on-site interview, Djokovic paid tribute to his direction: “We are both old men. But it is unbelievable what Stan can do when you consider that he has had injuries and operations (first knee, then foot, ed.) in recent years. I have a lot of respect for him.”

Source : Blick