Stan Wawrinka slams Swiss media, saying ‘I have lost the joy of talking to you’

ATP Tour
Stan Wawrinka

An unimpressed Stan Wawrinka has lashed out at the media in Switzerland, saying he no longer enjoys talking to them as they have undervalued his performances this year.

After missing several months during the 2017 and 2018 seasons due to injury, the 2019 campaign has been one of improvement for the three-time Grand Slam winner.

The 34-year-old has climbed back into the world top 20, which is quite impressive as he was outside the world top 200 not too long ago.

When asked during a press conference at the Swiss Indoors Basel what he needs to return to his best form, Wawrinka didn’t hold back.

“There is an impression here, in this room and in Switzerland, that I have not got a good year,” he is quoted as saying by Ubi Tennis.

“I am exaggerating, but I have that feeling and, frankly, I have lost the joy of talking to the media in Switzerland. I’m 15th in the race, could theoretically qualify for the ATP Finals. And you ask me: what are you missing to find your best level again?

“Who won Grand Slam tournaments in the last few years? I’m the only one outside Big Four who has won three. This must not be forgotten.”

He continued: “I’ve come back from a serious injury, I’m 15th in the race, was injured a month after the US Open and have just reached a final [in Antwerp]. And I’m one of the few who beat Novak [Djokovic], even though he had to give up in the third set (at the US Open). And you ask me what’s missing to win a Grand Slam title again?”

Wawrinka reached the Rotterdam final at the start of the year and more recently finished runner-up to Andy Murray at the European Open in Antwerp last week while he also made it to the quarter-finals of the French Open and US Open.

He also reached the last eight in Basel this week, but was forced to withdraw from his clash against Roger Federer due a back injury.

“Everything I did this year makes it a very good year. I have regained my confidence, have beaten the very best again at certain times. Sure, I did not win any Grand Slam tournaments, but who won them [Rafael Nadal and Djokovic],” he said.

“I’m back in a position where I know what I will be capable of next year. And that was my goal for 2019. Would I like to finish in the Top 10 this year? Yes. Would I like to win a Grand Slam title? Yes. But you also have to be a realist.”

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Stan Wawrinka

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