Former world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka admits he is still very from his desired level but he is not giving up as he is hoping to return to his old game at some point in 2022.
Wawrinka, who turned 37 in late March, underwent two foot surgeries in 2021.
After undergoing a foot surgery in 2021 March, Wawrinka’s recovery wasn’t going as planned and three months later he underwent a second foot surgery.
After being sidelined for 12 months, Wawrinka made his return in late March at the Marbella Challenger.
Since returning, Wawrinka is 0-2.
Wawrinka is now set to play Rome, where he has been drawn to meet Reilly Opelka in the first round.
“I am still very far from the level I want to reach. I still need a lot of weeks and time on the court and also on a physical level to find the game I need to find. But it’s been a good process so far and I’m happy to be here,” Wawrinka said, per We Love Tennis.
Wawrinka fell just short of winning a match in Monte Carlo
Wawrinka made his long-awaited comeback in late March at the Marbella Challenger.
Wawrinka was far from his best game in his first match back as he easily lost to Elias Ymer in the first round.
Wawrinka performed much better in Monte Carlo but didn’t claim a win as Alexander Bublik recovered from a set down to beat the Swiss 3-6 7-5 6-2.
After beating Wawrinka, Bublik stated that he hates clay.
When asked about creating a comeback to beat Wawrinka, Bublik said he only won because Wawrinka was out for 12 months and just returning from an injury.
Wawrinka is 37 and seemingly past his prime but he is refusing to quit as he thinks he can return to his old level and compete again for the biggest titles in the world.