Stan Wawrinka makes stunning claim over Davis Cup fans

James Richardson 16 Sep 2023 3:45 PM

Stan Wawrinka serves in Davis Cup action

Swiss veteran Stanislas Wawrinka has claimed that the International Tennis Federation has been paying groups of people to attend Davis Cup matches and support various nations.

Wawrinka made the claim on X on Saturday afternoon ahead of Switzerland’s showdown with Australia.

Switzerland were eliminated from the running for progression in the Davis Cup earlier in the week.

Wawrinka claimed that supporters have been paid to turn up at the venues and give vocal backing to various teams.

“Trivia Davis Cup question :Did you know that @ITFTennis are paying people to support and make some noise for every country at every match,” Wawrinka wrote.

Australia still have everything to play for in the Davis Cup. They know they need to beat the Swiss on the weekend to give themselves the best chance of making it to the Finals after losing to Great Britain on Wednesday and then winning against France on Thursday after a comeback. If the British team defeat France on Sunday, their place in the Final eight will be sure.

Non-playing skipper of Australia Lleyton Hewitt believes his team are in for a tough match with Wawrinka the significant threat in the Swiss team.

“It’s going to be a tough match again. Quality players. Stan, obviously we all know how good he is,” said Hewitt

“Stricker… I’ve seen him probably since Wimbledon and he’s really started to take off, so a quality player and that’s not going to be easy. Heusler plays very well indoors on this surface as well. Whichever way they go… we can only control what we can control and we’ll certainly do all the right preparation for it.”

In their first two matches of the week, both nations mixed up their No 2 singles players, with Max Purcell replacing Thanasi Kokkinakis in Australia’s match against France and Leandro Riedi replacing Dominic Stricker for Switzerland against Great Britain. Both changes resulted in losses, but world No.152 Riedi in particular, left a lasting impression with his vicious forehand and aggressive attitude during a titanic struggle with Andy Murray on Friday night.

The Swiss captain Severin Luthi expects a professional effort from his charges against Australia.

“I expect the guys who play to try hard, to try to win.

“I think we owe that to the British team and to the competition. The guys who are on the court, they will want to win.”