Fighting Stan Wawrinka: I need matches, I need confidence

Stan Wawrinka fist pump

Stan Wawrinka wasn’t at his best during his return to action at the Sofia Open, but he says he was “really proud with the way I was fighting”.

The three-time Grand Slam winner played his first match since his early exit at the Australian Open last month, and he needed three sets to beat qualifier Martin Klizan.

The 32-year-old lost the opening set against the Slovakian before finding his rhythm to claim a 4-6 6-2 6-3 win.

“I knew it will be tough match against a tough opponent. It was my just third match after last year at Wimbledon,” Wawrinka said after the match.

“So I need matches, I need tournaments, I need confidence.

“My level fitness-wise is not yet at my top, but I was surprised I was playing good. I am really proud with the way I was fighting.”

Next up for the Swiss player is a quarter-final encounter against Viktor Troicki, who beat Denis Istomin 7-6 (7-4), 1-6, 7-6 (7-5).

ATP Tour News Stan Wawrinka

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