Wawrinka takes wild card for Aegon Championships

Originally published on 28/05/14

The Swiss lasted less than two days in Paris as he was stunned in the opening round by Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. He will now head to the UK earlier than expected to warm up for Wimbledon on the grass courts of Queen’s, where he will be the top seed ahead of defending champion Andy Murray.

“I am really looking forward to playing in the Aegon Championships and very grateful that the tournament saved a wild card for me,” said the 29-year-old. “I love London, I love the atmosphere, it is an important tournament with a lot of history, and playing at The Queen’s Club gives me the best possible chance to become comfortable on grass.”

The world No.3 has only appeared at Queen’s once before in 2011 when he was beaten in the opening round by James Ward. He will join a high-quality line-up in London from June 9-15 that includes top-20 players Tomas Berdych, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Grigor Dimitrov.

Tournament director Ross Hutchins, said: “This is fantastic news. Stan has been a revelation this year, breaking through at the very highest level, and playing some spectacular tennis. He adds further strength and competition to the Aegon Championships line-up, and we are delighted that he has chosen to come to The Queen’s Club.”

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