Wawrinka between tears and enthusiasm in Buenos Aires: “I don’t want to regret the day I quit”

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Stan Wawrinka (38) leaves the Center Court of the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club in tears. He is crying. The match against the Chilean Nicolas Jarry (28, ATP 21) eludes him in the tiebreak of the third set. But the fans in the stadium treat Wawrinka like a local hero: the tennis-loving Argentinians love the Swiss. He’s a hero there.

«I had the chance to win the match several times, but I couldn’t. I try to think positively. And I accept this defeat, I know I made the right decision to come here. There is an incredible energy in this stadium,” Wawrinka says later – with red eyes and messy hair.

A day earlier, Stan told Blick that he would not waste a single thought on saying goodbye, even if he turns 39 in March. “Dismissal? No, not at all. I don’t think about it.” Magnus Norman, his coach, goes even further: “We are not talking about his retirement, he is enjoying it, and as long as he is enjoying it, we will keep playing.”

Personal interests are important

Wawrinka chose the tournament in Argentina more out of sympathy and personal interests than out of commercial considerations, says Norman. The heat of the humid Argentine summer, the relaxed atmosphere of Buenos Aires and the passion of the locals are important factors. “Stan has decided to return to Buenos Aires eleven years after his last tournament. Because of the weather – and because he wanted to see old friends again,” said the Swede.

“The fans in Buenos Aires are among the best in the world,” says Wawrinka. A sentence that sounds like a sentence, but is sincere.

A doubles match with Federer?

Wawrinka was present at the tournament draw. A guest from the audience wanted to know whether Stan will play doubles together with Roger Federer (42) in Buenos Aires next year. Martin Jaite (59), the 1990 Gstaad champion and tournament director, replied: “We are giving Roger a wild card.” Jaite later tells Blick: “Of course it was a joke. But we know Stan will probably come back next year.”

A doubles match with Federer? A journalist made an even bolder suggestion: Wawrinka should play games all over the world in which he plays only with his backhand.

This is unlikely to happen. Anyway, Wawrinka will play in Rio de Janeiro next week. Norman will also be by his side. Wawrinka is happy: “We have the same mentality. He is someone who motivates me, who pushes me to the limit. He is a very honest person, no matter whether things are good or bad. And we will try to win matches and tournaments together in the coming months.”

And will he also play doubles at the Olympic Games, as he did in Beijing in 2008 when he won gold with Federer? “I have very good memories of 2008 and hope I can be there this year.”

Djokovic is the “perfect player”

During his stay in Buenos Aires, Wawrinka, who won three Grand Slam titles, is asked to compare Federer, Rafael Nadal (37) and Novak Djokovic (36). Wawrinka: «I think they have different playing styles. Rafa is left-handed, the matches against him are very tough, very physical. He is very strong physically and mentally. Roger is a fast player and you feel uncomfortable on the court against him.” And Djokovic? “He is the perfect player, the way he plays.”

Wawrinka is still motivated. “I want to keep improving myself and see how far I can go. I never thought I would still be playing at 38 or 39.” But he feels comfortable. And he has a big goal: “I don’t want to regret the day I quit – that’s all I want to.”

Source : Blick