Wawrinka Weighs In On Top Spot In Miami

  • Posted: Mar 22, 2017

Wawrinka Weighs In On Top Spot In Miami

Swiss, top seed for first time at Masters 1000, anticipates battle for World No. 1

The man with the nickname “Stanimal” faced a new question during Tuesday’s media day at the Miami Open presented by Itau: What animal would he be, given the choice?

“Depends on the day,” said Stan Wawrinka, after a pause. “I quite like a black panther.”

A panther may befit his status this week in Miami, where he is the top seed for the first time at an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament. Additionally, the World No. 3 is riding the confidence of a runner-up finish to countryman Roger Federer in Sunday’s BNP Paribas Open final.

“I’m really happy with the results. I was sad after the loss, but he was playing too good and it was a good final,” said Wawrinka. “I’m feeling confident with my game in general because making the final of the first Masters was great, but here it’s completely different conditions so I’ll see when I start to practise again tomorrow. Hopefully I can do a good result here.”

Wawrinka’s past two appearances on U.S. soil have resulted in final appearances, including last September’s triumph over Novak Djokovic in the US Open final, and he will be looking to advance beyond the Round of 16 for the first time on his ninth visit to Key Biscayne.

This week he opens against the winner between Gastao Elias and Horacio Zeballos, with seeded opponents in his quarter including No. 16 Alexander Zverev, No. 18 John Isner and No. 31 Feliciano Lopez. Should he get through his quarter, Wawrinka could face a rematch with two-time Miami champion Federer in the semi-finals.

“From him, nothing is a surprise anymore,” he said. “For sure to see him moving that well at that age it’s something amazing. It’s something that’s good for me, I’m turning 32 (on 28 March), to see that you can still be at the top… It’s just amazing the way he’s playing straight after a six-month injury. That was really special to win the Australian Open. I’m sure this year is going to be big for tennis.”

Wawrinka, currently behind Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic in the Emirates ATP Rankings, anticipated a battle for World No. 1, with Federer making a strong push early in the season. Federer has climbed 10 spots since the start of the year, moving ahead of Rafael Nadal to No. 6 following Indian Wells.

“For sure he has a shot for No. 1,” said Wawrinka. “He won a Slam and the first Masters 1000 so for sure he has a big shot, but it’s going to be interesting to see if Rafa is playing well also. We’ll see when Andy and Novak will come back from injury, so this year will be really interesting for tennis fans.”

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