Wawrinka rebounds to advance at US Open
Swiss tennis star Stanislas Wawrinka got off to a nervous start in the US Open on Wednesday but succeeded in fending off a challenge from Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic in three sets.
After coming from behind in the first set, the Lausanne native finally prevailed 7-6, 6-3, 6-2 to move into the second round.
Wawrinka, ranked 10th in the world, just three places behind fellow countryman Roger Federer, admitted to being nervous and “very hesitant in my game”.
But the 28-year-old said this had become a habit for him in Grand Slam tournaments.
To complicate matters, Wednesday’s game was delayed by a lightning storm and rain at Flushing Meadows.
Wawrinka next faces Ivo Karlovic, a six foot ten-inch Croat who is turning to play after illness.
“He just won a tournament in Bogota,” commented Wawrinka.
“He will be very confident.”
But Wawrinka said he is also ready after getting past Stepanek.
One thing making a difference for the Swiss player, who won the Portugal Open this year, is a new coach.
Former world number two player Magnus Norman is helping boost his confidence, he said.
“We started working together exactly after the Monte Carlo Masters, Wawrinka is quoted as saying by The New York Times.
“I really believe that Magnus is going to make a big difference for me in the next few years,” he said.
“He’s helping me have the confidence to believe in my game.”
Comments
See Also
After coming from behind in the first set, the Lausanne native finally prevailed 7-6, 6-3, 6-2 to move into the second round.
Wawrinka, ranked 10th in the world, just three places behind fellow countryman Roger Federer, admitted to being nervous and “very hesitant in my game”.
But the 28-year-old said this had become a habit for him in Grand Slam tournaments.
To complicate matters, Wednesday’s game was delayed by a lightning storm and rain at Flushing Meadows.
Wawrinka next faces Ivo Karlovic, a six foot ten-inch Croat who is turning to play after illness.
“He just won a tournament in Bogota,” commented Wawrinka.
“He will be very confident.”
But Wawrinka said he is also ready after getting past Stepanek.
One thing making a difference for the Swiss player, who won the Portugal Open this year, is a new coach.
Former world number two player Magnus Norman is helping boost his confidence, he said.
“We started working together exactly after the Monte Carlo Masters, Wawrinka is quoted as saying by The New York Times.
“I really believe that Magnus is going to make a big difference for me in the next few years,” he said.
“He’s helping me have the confidence to believe in my game.”
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.