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Stan Wawrinka French Open 2020
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Wawrinka: ‘I need quite a lot of practice’


On Tuesday afternoon, in the first match of the second day, but only the second match of the entire tournament to be completed following rain delays, Stan Wawrinka was defeated by Fernando Verdasco 6-2 7-6(3).

“Grass court, it’s always a challenging surface for my game, for myself already. I need quite a lot of practice to play my best game. And I tried today with what I had, but I need more time I think to get my level there,” Wawrinka said.

“I wanted to play better here already, but I had only one day of practice – I think was the Friday, and I know that with my game I always need more practice, more time on the grass to feel it a little bit better.”

“I still have doubles here. Also, I can take in the same time all those days to practise well, to do a good schedule before Wimbledon. I’m sure I will be ready.”

Last year at Wimbledon the Swiss was a couple of points away from making the semi-finals and he is confident he will get back to a similar level before the Championships.

“Magnus (Norman) is going to come also,” said the 31-year-old Swiss. “So we are trying like last year to have some good days of practice.”

Wawrinka has twice been a quarter-finalist at Wimbledon in 2014 and 2015. In 2014 he lost to Roger Federer and last year went down at the hands of Richard Gasquet.

Yesterday seeded Frenchman Gasquet had also suffered defeat at Queen’s Club. His defeat came at the hands of USA’s Steve Johnson.

A few days ago Wawrinka announced the appointment of 1996 Wimbledon winner Richard Krajicek as a new member in his coaching team for the grass court swing. Krajicek will work alongside Norman and assistant coach Yannick Fattebert.

“It’s a real privilege and an honour to add such a champion to my corner,” he said. “I’m staying here all the three weeks to practise with my team.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.