“Passion for the sport,” Stan Wawrinka reveals what keeps him playing at the highest level at 40
Stan Wawrinka, 40, retains his positive mindset and attitude despite disappointing defeat at the Monte Carlo Masters.
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Stan Wawrinka playing against Daniil Medvedev (via Instagram)
Stan Wawrinka suffered a first-round defeat at the Monte Carlo Masters after losing to Chilean Alejandro Tabilo. The former World No.3 failed to earn his second tour-level win of the season despite displaying his experience. After the loss, the Swiss star revealed that his passion for the sport continues to make him play.
Wawrinka, who has enjoyed a fabulous career at the highest level where he lifted three Grand Slam titles has not been at his best this season. The World No.163 has been struggling to be at his best on the court despite being 40. He won his first tour-level in March of the season at the Bucharest Open, defeating Kazakhstan qualifier Timofey Skatov in three sets.
Against Tabilo in the first round in Monte Carlo, Wawrinka played his best tennis in the first set and looked as though he was going to breeze past the Chilean. But Tabilo found his way back into the match in the second set to force a decider. He then wrapped up the win in the deciding set with a score of 1-6, 7-5, 7-5.
After the match, the 40-year-old was asked by reporters why he keeps playing despite his age. The former World No.3 revealed that he does so because he has a passion for the sport and he enjoys playing tennis.
The passion for this sport. As an athlete, once you stop, there’s no turning back, especially as you get older. I want to keep enjoying it as much as I can. I love tennis. Playing tennis is something that fulfills me. I’ve had the opportunity to play in the best tournaments around the world, and I want to push a bit more. I enjoy the process, I enjoy the training sessions, I enjoy playing the big tournaments, like this one, big matches. That’s what keeps the flame alive.
Stan Wawrinka said via Monte Carlo Press
The Monte Carlo was Wawrinka’s seventh tour-level tournament of the season. Despite his mindset and mentality, he has failed to turn into results. However, he has the freedom to choose his retirement time.
Stan Wawrinka says he his fine tennis-wise and physically despite age
Stan Wawrinka made history at the Monte Carlo Masters by featuring in the event for the fifteenth time in his career. He’s the fourth most in the tournament since the Open Era. The 2014 champion might not be at his best physically but he did reveal that he’s fine with everything, both tennis-wise and physically.
At this moment, everything’s fine, everything is okay. All the preparation we carry out, both tennis-wise and physically, allows me to be in the best possible shape. Some days are more challenging than others, but overall, I have no trouble getting up each morning. It’s true that frustration increases with age, as you know you’re nearing the end and that if you lose, you’ll have fewer chances to go far in each tournament.
Stan Wawrinka added
Wawrinka will hope he gets a wildcard for the Madrid Open and Italian Open. The tennis legend hasn’t used his wildcards well in recent tournaments, but his achievement in the sport still gives him an edge in the wildcard list.
Stan Wawrinka is close to retirement
Stan Wawrinka is yet to reach a tour-level quarter-finals since October 2024. The World No.163 has been a shadow of himself since this season, as his age seems to be catching up with him. His shocking loss at the Monte Carlo Masters first round from a winning position was a frustrating take for him.
Despite his reluctance to retire from the sport, Wawrinka must be thinking about hanging his racket. The 40-year-old knows that he cannot compete at the same level he loves to. Perhaps that has made him feature more in doubles competition this season. But the competition doesn’t have the same flair as the singles.
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