“Sadness for everyone” Stan Wawrinka laments the absence of Roger Federer in Basel as the 10-time champion bid the sport adieu without giving the home crowd a chance to celebrate his career for ‘one last time’
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Roger Federer posing with his Doubles Gold at 2008 Beijing Olympics with partner Stan Wawrinka, Silver Medal in Singles at 2012 London Olympics
In a recent interview, Swiss professional tennis player Stan Wawrinka talked about the absence of Roger Federer in Basel as the tennis phenomenon bid the sport adieu recently. Remembering his fellow compatriot, Wawrinka paid his tribute to the legendary player and expressed utmost gratitude towards the fact that he got an opportunity to compete in the same tournament as him and “share” all the memories and emotions for a lifetime. That’s not all, the Swiss star was overwhelmed with all the support and love that he got while playing at the Swiss Indoors ATP Tennis tournament this time around.
For those who are unaware, Stan Wawrinka is one of the most talented tennis players of this generation. Over the years, he has entertained us with amazing skills, talent, and phenomenal performances. He also won many ATP titles over his career and also three Grand Slams and one gold medal at the Beijing Olympics back in 2008. Besides this, he was also an important member of the Switzerland team, which won the Davis Cup in 2014.
However, for most of his career, he had to live within the shadow of the Big Three- Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. Although he managed to make a distinct identity of his own in the tennis community, he can be seen appreciating and celebrating the five-time World No. 1 on various occasions. And that’s precisely what his most recent interview highlights the most.
“I was breathing very well when Rodge was there (laughs). Maybe it’s Roger Brennwald who breathes differently now (laughs). I was very happy to see him win here, in Switzerland, or elsewhere. It has always been an honor and a pleasure to play the same tournaments as him, to be able to share all these emotions and memories,” he said after the win.
He was a little sad as the 20-time Grand Slam winner was not playing in this tournament.
“It is true that it is different this year. There is sadness for everyone. The fact that he stops without having been able to play again in Basel means that the public may want to enjoy before our whole generation stops. I am very happy with the love I receive. It was a bit unexpected at such a level,” he further added.
The organizers of the Swiss Indoors tournament had made certain preparations to give their favorite superstar, Roger Federer, an elaborate tribute. But Roger declined the offer to participate and play in the event on the pretext as he was still not over with what happened in London during the Laver Cup this September.
With that being said, it seems like the tennis community may have to wait for another year to give their beloved star a warm farewell, which he truly deserves. Till then, they can cherish another national hero, Stan Wawrinka, and his antics.
Stan Wawrinka- The Man in Action at the Swiss Indoors ATP 500 tournament
At the Swiss Indoors, Stan Wawrinka won over the home crowd once more by defeating Brandon Nakashima by 6-4, 5-7, 6-4. This victory came just two days after he defeated the Norwegian world No.3 Casper Ruud in the first round of the tournament itself.
The 37-year-old Swiss almost missed an opportunity for another skillful win when he surrendered a 5-3 lead, and Nakashima won four straight games to tie the match. However, Wawrinka kept his cool and matched with the American in the last set and converted the first break point to go up 5-4.
The Beijing Olympics 2008 gold medalist will confront Roberto Bautista Agut in the quarterfinals of the tournament after the 6th-seeded Spaniard facilitated a 6-3, 6-2 win through another three-time Grand Slam champion, Andy Murray.
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