Since reaching the third round of the US Open in September, things seem to be falling apart for Stan Wawrinka. At Roland Garros, the Swiss ace made it to the second round but fell to a defeat to Thanasi Kokkiknakis. The three-time Grand Slam winner has failed to get past the opening rounds of six tournaments since Wimbledon early exit and could no longer win two games in a row.
Last night, when the tennis star was hoping to reach his first ATP quarterfinals of the season, Wawrinka was forced to retire injured at the Moselle Open in Metz.
Stan Wawrinka meets cruel fate at Moselle Open
After what has been a difficult year for Stan Wawrinka, the Swiss was turning the tide at the Moselle Open and in the round of 16 tie against Frenchman Luca Van Assche Wawrinka showed some explosive strokes and was leading 6-3 in the first round before losing 6-7. However, in the third set, he sustained what seems to be an ankle injury and was forced to retire to defeat with a match point.
The world no. 53 revealed in a recent interview that no matter how he struggles with his injury, he continues to motivate himself. “I enjoy what I’m doing. I’m passionate about it. The emotion that I get from the fans, from the people in each tournament, from the support that I can get in matches, is always going to be special,” said Wawrinka “I want to enjoy that as much as I can because the day that I will stop there will be no return.”
“I think I always enjoyed it. I think I’ve always been passionate about that. I never forgot why I started when I was young. It was to play a game. [Swinging] a tennis racket with balls against someone, it’s the game, it’s the sport. Even if some days are not that easy, you always have to push yourself. You have to have great discipline.”
“I love the work, I love the process to get there too, so I’m lucky and happy that I enjoy what I have to do to be at my top level and also when I play matches, it doesn’t matter which court, which big stadium, small stadium. For me, I always enjoy it and I always appreciate the sport.”
Moselle Open men’s singles bracket
With Stan Wawrinka retiring due to injury Luca Van Assche would face 19-year-old fellow Frenchman Pierre-Hugus Herbert in the quarterfinals. Before meeting Wawrinka, Luca Van Assche edged out Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp (3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5)) in the Moselle Open.
Other result in the Moselle Open in Metz ATP 250 event saw Fabio Fognini beats Alexander Bublik (5): 4-6, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (5), Pierre-Hugues Herbert beat Gijs Brouwer (LL): 7-5, 6-4, Alexander Shevchenko beat Mate Valkusz (LL): 7-5, 2-6, 6-2, Karen Khachanov (3) beat Constant Lestienne: 6-4, 6-4. Also, French star Ugo Humbert (4) beat Dominic Thiem: 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-3 and Harold Mayot (Q) beat Gregoire Barrere: 7-6 (2), 2-6, 7-6 (5).
Fabio Fognini, 38, is the oldest player in the competition and has struggled with injury over the years. Hopefully, many fans would love to see the Italian win the Moselle Open after a long run of bad form.
