Abu Dhabi: World number four Stan Wawrinka says it was an easy decision to begin his 2015 campaign at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi next month — but concedes it will be difficult to match last year’s success.
The Swiss followed up his participation in January’s UAE invitational event by winning his first grand slam at the Australian Open. He then applied the coup de grace to his most successful season, in which he also reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, by helping Switzerland clinch their first Davis Cup title last month.
Wawrinka insists that taking on some of the game’s aristocrats, such as world number one Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, from January 1 to 3 at Zayed Sports City’s Tennis Stadium, will serve as excellent preparation for his Melbourne title defence.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Wawrinka said: “2014 was a very special year for me, capturing my first grand slam, and it started for me in Abu Dhabi, so it was an easy decision for me to come back in 2015. We have the chance to play the best players and get ready for the new season and for me, it seemed to work well last year.”
However, Wawrinka is aware it will be no easy task to emulate his annus mirabilia and add to his grand slam tally, given the fierce competition at the top of the game.
He said: “I’ve had an amazing year and I hope that I can continue like that and have a successful year in 2015. I don’t think you can target grand slam success. You can work hard every day and do your best, but a lot of things need to come together to win a grand slam.
“My goal is to be consistent and win more titles on the ATP World Tour, not just focusing on the slams. The Masters 1000s are incredible events and winning Monte Carlo meant so much to me.”
Wawrinka also realises he faces a considerable challenge to reach the pinnacle of tennis, with the titanic triumvirate of Nadal, compatriot Roger Federer and Djokovic ahead of him in the rankings.
The 29-year-old said: “[Being] number one is not my goal. My goal is to work hard every day and give my best every time I step on a court. I’m number four right now and very proud of that. If I can improve my ranking, that’s great, but it’s not my main goal, especially looking at the very strong players that are in front of me.”
For now, however, Wawrinka can bask in the glory of being part of Switzerland’s maiden Davis Cup triumph.
How did it compare to his grand slam win? “I don’t think you can compare those two titles and I don’t want to compare them,” he replied.
“Both are unique and very special moments in my life. Winning with the team was very special. It felt great to celebrate together after the long journey we made to win this salad bowl [trophy], which, by the way, is not that ugly at all.”
The year has not been without negativity for Wawrinka, however, as he and Federer were involved in a reported bust-up at the ATP World Tour Finals in London last month.
Wawrinka had apparently complained about Federer’s wife, Mirka, heckling him from the stands and the two players were rumoured to have rowed after the match.
However, they reconciled their differences and went on to inspire Switzerland’s victory over France in the Davis Cup final a week later.
Wawrinka insists there is no lingering ill-feeling between them, hailing the inspirational support of the ‘unbelievable’ 33-year-old.
“Our relationship is very good,” he said. “Many things can happen during a match, in the heat of the moment. Roger is an unbelievable athlete. He’s taught me many things and he’s done so much for our sport. His love for the game is amazing, he still enjoys every moment of it.”
It’s next stop Abu Dhabi for Wawrinka and he says tennis will not be the only thing on his agenda.
He said: “Usually we just try to focus on tennis and getting enough rest when playing in a tournament. However, I always try to eat some local cuisine and get to see at least something of the city. The Corniche is a nice place to go and the Grand Mosque is very impressive as well.”
