Fighting Stan Wawrinka: I need matches, I need confidence

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).