Emotions riding high as Wawrinka enters wrapup season

Stan Wawrinka will re-live a career’s worth of memories as the veteran begins his final tennis season on Saturday as Switzerland face France at the ATP-WTA United Cup.

The Swiss, with former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic heading up the women’s effort at the mixed team event, are also grouped with neighbors Italy in the group stages in Perth.

The 40-year-old Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam winner, will wrap up his career in 11 months – hopefully without any late injuries.

The 18-nation mixed-team event opens with group matches in Perth, followed by Sydney a day later.

Ties comprise one men’s and one women’s singles and a mixed doubles, with group winners in each city advancing to the quarter-finals along with the best runner-up.

“It will be a special season, playing a lot of tournaments for one last time,” Wawrinka said on Friday. “But a year is a long time, there is plenty of tennis to play.

“I can’t wait to play them again,” added the Swiss playing captain who played much of his career in the shadow of compatriot Roger Federer.

Wawrinka, who announced his decision during the off-season, said he’s been thrilled by messages of support for his two-decade career, which included the 2014 Australian Open.. 

“I’ve enjoyed being on Tour, playing in front of people all around the world; that’s one of the reasons I’ve played for so long.. 

“I hope to enjoy this season and get some good results. It will be difficult and emotional sometimes 

“I’m happy and at peace with my decision.”

The veteran said that staying fit will be one of his main challenges. “Managing the body is the most challenging part. The risk of injury gets higher and higher.

“My goal is to finish by playing tennis, not with an injury.”

Wawrinka missed several late-career seasons with knee problems which required surgery.

Main photo:- Stan Wawrinka practicing in Perth – by Tennis Australia