‘I’m Finally Playing Better,’ says Wawrinka

‘I’m Finally Playing Better,’ says Wawrinka

When Alexei Popyrin overcame three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka in the final at the trophy ceremony in Umag, it was one of the most memorable events of the season. Wawrinka came perilously close to winning his first prize on the ATP Tour since 2017, but he could not overcome Popyrin. The Swiss fell to tears as he spoke to the assembly. “Guys, I really appreciate it,” Wawrinka remarked. “I know it’s ridiculous to cry, but you make this sport so special, and I love it so much.”

The 38-year-old is back in action two weeks later at the Western & Southern Open, where he defeated Frances Tiafoe, the 2022 US Open semifinalist, to go to the third round. The former No. 3 in the world remembers his emotional moment in Croatia with fondness. It was excellent. Playing in a final is always beneficial, Wawrinka stated to ATPTour.com. Naturally, I’m upset and unhappy that I didn’t win the championship. Though it was a wonderful tournament, you always want to win the championship game. It’s nice to be back in the game on a Sunday during the tournament. And still, things continue. I’m glad to be playing in America and am currently in Cincinnati.

With victories this year over Holger Rune, Andy Murray, and now Tiafoe, Wawrinka is back in the Top 50 of the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings at No. 47. Over his career, the Swiss has won 563 races and 16 tour-level titles, but injuries have hindered him recently. Wawrinka was outside the Top 300 last year and ranked 148th in the world at the beginning of the season. The native of Lausanne sought to rebuild both his body and his confidence. “I believe it to be somewhat both. It’s a tremendous puzzle in tennis, Wawrinka said. “You have the cerebral side as well as the physical and tennis sides,

In the final men’s match of the day on Wednesday, spectators rushed to Grandstand to watch Wawrinka play some of his greatest tennis against 10th seed Tiafoe. Some individuals waited in adjacent staircases to get a sight of the action because the crowd was so densely crowded. It’s incredible. One of the main reasons I continue to play is because of it, Wawrinka stated. It’s always unique. There were many people at the match last night, which is fantastic for me and makes me very happy.”