Retirement not yet a part of the plan for Stan

Stan Wawrinka’s last ATP title dates to 2017,  but the 39-year-old has re-confirmed this week in Stockholm that the thought of retirement has not yet entered his mind.

The Swiss who turns 40 next March owns three Grand Slam titles and figures that as long as he is enjoying the game and making progress, there is not reason to quit his sport.

Wawrinka is making his way at the Stockholm Open as the 2024 season grinds to a brief halt before 2025 kicks in.

But the veteran is far from mapping out any possible retirement scenarios.

“I have never said that I am making any decision to retire myself from tennis this year,” Warinbka told Sweden’s SpilXperten.

“I’ve said I’m getting older, and of course I’m near the end, but I’m still playing well and I’m competitive when I play.”

Wwarinka added: “I enjoy what I do and I enjoy waking up and going to training and still having the opportunity to play in such a nice tournament like this. As long as I enjoy it, I will continue to push myself a little bit.”

“I think it’s great to be a tennis player and when I was a child I dreamed of doing it as a job. 

“I have had the chance to win many trophies, even many big trophies, and I have had the opportunity to achieve more of what I call my dream. I will continue to push myself.”

The player who is coached by former Swedish great Magnus Norman, said that his competitive desire remains high.

“Tennis is a game, so you have to enjoy what you do and if you are passionate about what you do, you have to keep going and that’s what I’m going to do.

“The motivation must come from within. If you have to force yourself to stay motivated, it means you are not passionate enough about what you are doing. It’s not easy every day..

“I love being a tennis player, so it’s easy to push myself.”