For a long time, the combative Romanian disappeared from the surface of the tennis picture until he made an appearance again at the Australian Open 2018. This was due to two knee operations on his left knee in the summer of 2017 and then the unexpected separation from coach Magnus Norman in November 2017, by whom he felt very much let down. Those were difficult months for the three-time Swiss Grand Slam winner, who won the Australian Open in 2014.
After this long break, it was clear that he would not be fully at the height of his powers and possibilities, but the exit against the American Tennys Sandgren in the second round was tough, especially because of the clarity. In the post-match press conference, he commented as follows: "Yes, I don't like a match like this, that's for sure. It's never easy to have to feel like that on the court. But I have to stay positive. I think the last 12 days have been more than I could have dreamed when I came here. It's a big step. When I look back, I think about the surgery I had five months ago. To be this far now is more than I and my team could have expected. Sure, it was extremely tough today on the tennis court and to lose like that.
When you've won three Grand Slams, you don't feel good on a day like today.
But I have to take what I can to stay positive." Now days and weeks of fitness and tennis training lie ahead for Wawrinka. He needs to get back on track. We wish him all the luck.
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