Stan Wawrinka discusses the strategy behind his incredible victory over Novak Djokovic to win the French Open.

Stan Wawrinka discusses the strategy behind his incredible victory over Novak Djokovic to win the French Open.

Everyone believed Novak Djokovic was going to have his breakthrough when the two players faced off in the 2015 French Open final on Court Philippe-Chatrier. He was the clear favorite and had just defeated Rafael Nadal, giving the Spaniard only his second-ever loss in the tournament. He was riding a 28-match winning streak.

Wawrinka, though, entered the match prepared. The Swiss sensation stunned the world No. 1 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 to win his second of three Major trophies and deny Djokovic the career Grand Slam. He knew he was “ready to fight” and he delivered. Nine years after his stunning win, the former world No. 3 spoke with Express Sport about his exact thoughts as he entered the court that day and addressed another major talking point from the championship match: his attire.

The men’s draw at the French Open is perhaps the most open in over two decades, with just one week to go until play begins. Since 2005, the Big Three and Wawrinka have been the only four players to lift the trophy in the Paris winner’s circle. Additionally, Wawrinka’s tale will inspire this year’s competitors as they attempt to win the Musketeers’ Cup. Nine years after his breakthrough performance, the 39-year-old told Express Sport, “As a tennis player, you always remember almost all the match.” “However, I believe the French Open to be my closest Grand Slam. The reason for this is that I only participated in and won the game during my junior years. Additionally, it’s not far from Switzerland, my birthplace.

Wawrinka was the obvious underdog going into the final, despite being the eighth seed. But as he walked inside the court, he told himself to forget about the commotion and to concentrate on something else. “I remember being able to enter the court for the final, at 3pm,” the Swiss player went on.

“I remember telling myself, ‘Please take a minute to look around,’ because I was pretty scared coming the court. Like, I’ve watched every French Open final throughout my career. Enjoy and cherish the occasion as soon as you step onto the court. You’ve worked so hard throughout your career to be here, so take in the sights of the audience and the supporters as you stroll about. And you start concentrating on the game as soon as you begin the warm-up.

With his entire concentration on the match, Wawrinka produced what he believed to be his best-ever performance on clay, outscoring the top seed 59 times to 30. He also executed his game plan flawlessly. The current world No. 87 said, “Of course he was the big favourite entering the court. He didn’t lose a match, I think 30 matches in a row. He was No. 1, beat Rafa so he was the big favourite entering the court.” However, I also realized that, on a fair playing field, I was prepared to engage in combat with him. I felt like I was ready for the final, both physically and mentally. In order to truly drive my game through, I was really focused on the game and my game plan.