Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years with an eye-catching win over Andrey Rublev, as he booked his spot in the semi-finals of the ATP Stockholm tournament. This is the first time in more than a year where the legend wins three matches in a row. Last time was in Umag back in 2023. Wawrinka spoke to the press after the match, where he shared his thoughts on the win, just as he also opened up on the lack of confidence he was dealing with earlier this year.
He also talked about Tommy Paul, who he is facing in the semi-final, in what is likely to be one of his toughest tests in recent months, with Paul winning comfortably in straight sets against Miomir Kecmanovic.
It was tough against Rublev
Rublev is ranked seventh in the world, and the Russian has been among the best players in the world for years now, but Wawrinka managed to beat him, and he became the second oldest player ever to beat a top ten player.
“I was feeling good on the court, but it’s never easy to play Rublev. He is such an amazing player, so it was a very tough match, but I am happy to win. It was an amazing atmosphere, which helped me a lot.
“I am getting old, I know that. But I am still feeling competitive on the court, and I am pushing myself to keep performing well and keep my level.
“I like the conditions here, but I have been struggling a lot this year with my results. I haven’t won too many matches, but I have tried to stay positive and push myself to improve and find solutions.”
Wawrinka makes honest admission
When he won his 2nd round match here in Stockholm, it was actually the first time in 2024 Wawrinka won a match back to back. Now, he is in the semifinal, and he says that his confidence has increased, which is something he has been struggling with.
“I have always said that just one or two matches can turn around your confidence. I lost a lot of confidence in the first part of the year.
“I was tired this morning of course, but I was feeling great and moving great on the court. I was fighting a lot, and tomorrow is going to be another question, and I need to rest and do everything possible.”
‘I am the underdog in every match’
Wawrinka is 39 years old and the three times Grand Slam champion is starting to feel the tiredness, and admitted that he ‘won’t be as fresh tomorrow’, however it is not something he’s focusing too much on right now.
“I know I won’t be as fresh tomorrow, that’s the problem with my age, but it doesn’t matter. I am so happy to be where I am. I am the underdog in every match. Tommy Paul is an amazing player, and hopefully I can do better than last time against him. I will stay positive and do my best to beat him.
“He is serving big and moving very well. Very tough player to play, and it will be a big challenge for me.”
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