Wawrinka Reflects: ‘Happy For One Last Opportunity’

Stan Wawrinka’s farewell appearance at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters may have been a short one, but he is thankful to have had the opportunity for one final outing at the ATP Masters 1000 he won in 2014.

After falling to Sebastian Baez 7-5, 7-5 on Court Rainier III, the 41-year-old Swiss reflected on the moment and the path ahead for the remainder of his farewell season.

“It was a tough match, of course, but I’m happy to have had the opportunity to play one last time here,” Wawrinka said. “Amazing atmosphere again, amazing support. So I’m super happy with that.

“I’m a competitor first. I try to play to win,” he said. “So I try to push my limits. It brings a lot of mental fatigue to train constantly at that level and try to maintain it.

“When I lose a match like today, there is a lot of frustration. The pleasure is not as much as it should be. But once the match is finished, I move on quickly and try to appreciate these moments.”

Among his standout memories remains his 2014 Monte-Carlo title, when he defeated Roger Federer in the final.

“It was an incredible memory,” Wawrinka said. “It was my first and only Masters 1000, and here in Monte-Carlo. I grew up on clay. Monaco was one of my favourite tournaments to watch.

“To have the chance to win it, and to play against Roger in the final, was exceptional.”

Wawrinka’s immediate schedule includes Barcelona, Rome qualifying and Geneva.

“I will see if I have the chance to play Roland Garros. I would love to play something on the grass, hopefully Wimbledon,” he said.

“At the end, if I want to play the full year, I need to keep the mindset as a competitor. So I’m always pushing myself, always trying to improve, trying to be better. I put a lot of pressure on myself to try to keep winning some matches.

“That doesn’t help me in matches, but at the end that’s the athlete I am. I’m always going to come on court to try to win and I cannot just arrive and try to enjoy because it’s my last one.”