Wawrinka Takes The Positives From Roland Garros Run

Although he was disappointed to suffer a one-sided loss to Rafael Nadal in the Roland Garros final, Stan Wawrinka is choosing to focus on the gains he’s made over the past three weeks.

Congratulations on a great fortnight in Paris, Stan.

Always a champion. #RG17 pic.twitter.com/DMv2V0YEBC

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2017

Wawrinka started his clay season with a 2-3 record before coming alive at the right moment, as he so often has throughout his career. He retained his title on home soil in Geneva and then stormed into the semi-finals in Paris without losing a set. On Friday, his fitness was on full display as he fought through World No. 1 Andy Murray in a marathon five-set match.

The Swiss star admitted not being able to replicate that same level against Nadal, but said simply making another it to a Grand Slam final is a positive result for him.

“I was nervous this morning about the match, about the final, about playing against him. But when I entered the court, I enjoyed it and appreciated being in the final of a Grand Slam. That’s always something special and you need to see that from the bigger picture,” said Wawrinka. “This score wasn’t good. The match wasn’t good. But at the end of the day, there are a lot of positives to take from the past few weeks.

“I was really down three weeks ago, not winning matches in Masters 1000 events or playing my best tennis. There was a lot in doubt in my game,” he added. “In three weeks, I won in Geneva and made the final of a Grand Slam, so that’s big for me.”

“I know what it takes to win a Grand Slam tournament. I have done it before.”

Wawrinka savors 2nd RG final: https://t.co/UMBK0KghFH #RG17 pic.twitter.com/eswn5JzuDz

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2017

Wawrinka was also full of praise for Nadal completing the historic La Decima at this event. Having faced Nadal in 19 FedEx ATP Head2Head meetings, with the first dating back to the 2007 Australian Open, he boldly claimed that the Spaniard has reached new heights with his tennis.

“What he did is so big for the sport. He’s playing the best he’s ever played,” said Wawrinka. “He’s an amazing fighter. There is always one more ball coming back. There is always spin on the ball. There is always a different bounce than what other players can make on this surface. He creates a doubt that you can’t have if you want to beat him.”

Wawrinka, No. 3 in the Emirates ATP Rankings will put on his grass-court shoes in a few days as he competes next at the Aegon Championships in London, which starts 19 June. Wawrinka has hired Paul Annacone for the grass-court season in a bid to prevail at Wimbledon, the lone Grand Slam he has yet to win.

“I want to progress and make strides. I’m very happy with my team and all the people who are around me. But we had some discussions in order to get a new vision and another view of my game. That’s why we have decided to turn to Paul,” said Wawrinka. “He has a lot of experience, so I hope that I will move in the right direction.”