Stan Wawrinka’s coach says the Swiss star can challenge again
The winner of three major titles between 2014 and ‘16 is ready to contend again.
The coach of former Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka is viewing the 2021 season as a fresh slate for the Swiss star as he looks to return to the biggest stages of the sport again.
A three-time major winner, Wawrinka is in the twilight years of a stellar career, though coach Daniel Vallverdu believes Stan retains the ingredients to be “The Man” again at major level.
But the Venezuelan coach is aware the competition his pupil faces is tougher than ever from not only his legendary peers but the emerging crop of younger stars.
“I think this is a fresh start for him. The number one priority is to ensure that he feels healthy and pain free,” Vallverdu told The Australian.
“He is motivated. He wants to push. He wants to travel. But what his level is going to be is very difficult to say.
“The competition is strong. The older guys are still going to be around and the younger guys are coming through. I think the level is going to be high.”
The betting market mirrors Vallverdu’s assessment, with the winners of the four biggest tournament played last season – Wimbledon was cancelled – considered the main Australian Open contenders.
Reigning champion Novak Djokovic is the $2.40 favourite to win a ninth crown in Melbourne with the TAB.
US Open champion Dominic Thiem, a finalist last year in Melbourne, is second favourite at $5.50.
ATP Tour Finals champion Daniil Medvedev ($6) and reigning French Open champion Rafael Nadal ($6.50) are the only other players listed in single figures.
Wawrinka was in the midst of a golden run of form before a knee injury sustained in 2017 dented his aspirations in grand slam tournaments for almost two years.
Following a maiden major success in Melbourne in 2014, Wawrinka claimed a Roland Garros title in 2015 and the US Open in 2016.
The former world No 3 bore the brunt of a gruelling semi-final triumph over Andy Murray at the French Open in 2017 when falling to Nadal in straight sets in the final.
After an opening round loss to Medvedev at Wimbledon, it was confirmed he had a significant injury.
Upon his return in 2018, the 35-year-old did not progress past the third round of a major until the French Open in 2019.
But Wawrinka has made the quarterfinals in three of the last six grand slam tournaments he has played and Vallverdu is encouraged by the trend.
“He was gaining momentum in 2019 and it felt like 2020 was going to be a good year because he was feeling well,” he said.
“We had a long break last year but the motivation is there and I think this is a fresh start for him. He has a base of fitness and he has been there, so the experience is there.
“He is excited and he is happy to be back.”
The prolonged stint on the sidelines in 2020 between the tour lockdown and the resumption of play created challenges for every coach-player partnership, including Vallverdu and Wawrinka.
Vallverdu, who is on the ATP Player Council as the coaching representative, likened coaching with a mature athlete with Wawrinka’s credentials to working with a prestige car.
The explosive capabilities are there. It is just important to ensure the engine keeps ticking over in good order.
“My main concern was not to shut down the engine, because it can take time to build back up again,” he said.
“Once you try to turn it back on, it might take longer than usual. But (with older athletes), once they are on the move, they may not have to do as much as the other guys.
“That base level of fitness, and 15 years on tour, are there and they have the adaptability to be able to play at that level.
“What Stan’s level is like, we don’t know yet. We will have to wait and see.”
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Has been and always will be the best country in the world to be at in January! 🎾🤗🇦🇺 Thank you! 🇦🇺 @AustralianOpen @ausgov @CraigTiley @stanwawrinka pic.twitter.com/XMa0Hamamg
— Daniel Vallverdu (@danielvallverdu) January 23, 2021
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