Wawrinka Visits Gold Coast's Skypoint Climb

Stan Wawrinka is aiming to reach the top of the Emirates ATP Rankings in 2017 and fittingly kicked off his season by reaching peak heights on the Gold Coast. 

The World No. 4, competing in the Brisbane International 2017 presented by Suncorp, traveled in style via helicopter to the top of the iconic Q1 Resort Building at Surfers Paradise, located 270 metres above sea level. Wawrinka showed off his racquet skills from the Skypoint Climb, Australia’s highest external building climb, while taking in breathtaking views of the world-famous Gold Coast.

“I’m really happy to be here in Brisbane. I’ve heard so many good things about this tournament from the other players on the tour that I had to come and see it for myself. It’s always exciting to come to new places and play new tournaments,” said Wawrinka. “I really enjoyed my morning on the Gold Coast. The views were amazing and we had a lot of fun, so it was a great way to start the day.”

Wawrinka returned to normal altitude after his visit and had a two-hour practice session with coach Magnus Norman on Queensland Tennis Centre’s Pat Rafter Arena. This marks the first time since 2008 that Wawrinka has played an ATP World Tour event in Australia leading into the Australian Open, having spent the past eight years competing at the Aircel Chennai Open in India.

Having started his season with a title in Chennai for the past three years, the Swiss star will look to continue that winning trend in Brisbane.