Stan Wawrinka is trying to get back to his best form after numerous injuries have kept him from playing regularly in recent seasons. The Swiss has decided to start again in the United Cup and represent his country in the new team event.
Switzerland began the tournament by beating Kazakhstan 5-0, and Wawrinka beat world number 37 Alexander Bublik 6-3, 7-6(3). At the press conference, Wawrinka recalled that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were capable of winning a Slam after undergoing surgery.
The Swiss tennis player underwent surgery on his left foot in March 2021. “I think it is impossible to compare Federer and Nadal with other players. We are all different. I had surgery for the first time in 2017 and managed to get back in the top 20.
I was playing at a very good level and that made me very happy. Now, I have had surgery again and I am 37 years old. I’m not getting any younger. It’s very difficult,” Wawrinka explained. “I still think I can get big results and win tournaments.
I hope I can do it next season. I don’t know what kind of tournament, but as long as I have fun and love playing tennis and do whatever it takes to express myself to the best of my ability, I’ll keep going. Of course it wouldn’t be fun to lose every week.
I want to go back to having the feeling that I can win more games. A match against Bublik? I am very happy with my performance. I expressed a high level, I was very focused. I didn’t expect to play so well in the first game of the year.
It’s never easy facing an opponent like Bublik, so I’m happy with my match. Captain and player in this tournament? So far things are going well, I have felt very good in both roles.”
Alex de Minaur on beating Rafa Nadal
Alex de Minaur picked up one of the biggest wins of his career at the 2023 United Cup, beating Rafael Nadal in three sets.
“I think it’s definitely up there. It’s one of those wins that, you know, it’s one of those achievements that you have unlocked in your career. But also, it’s a big win for myself, one that I really needed,” Alex de Minaur said.
“I’m gonna cherish and use, take all the confidence from this and be able to hopefully take it to have a good Aussie summer. Oh, it’s always a surreal experience. I mean, just walking out there and hearing the support I get on that court is pretty special.
Obviously no secret it’s my favorite court to play on in front of friends and family,” Alex de Minaur said. “I’ve had so many great memories, and I’ve been able to add another one to it. I’m extremely stoked. You know, so thankful for all the support I get on this court.”
