It is a strange world that Stanislas Wawrinka resides in. The World No 13 is constantly bombarded with questions about Roger Federer, given that they are both Swiss.
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Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka with compatriot Roger Federer during a David Cup tie. PIC/AFP |
It is a strange world that Stanislas Wawrinka resides in. The World No 13 is constantly bombarded with questions about Roger Federer, given that they are both Swiss.
And even when Wawrinka has had a fabulous 2008 with a high ranking of nine before settling to his current position he's asked about how Federer will perform in the new season. To his credit, however the Lausanne resident answered gracefully. "I believe Federer has it in him to get back to his best. But the competition is spreading out. It's no longer only him and Nadal. There's Djokovic and Murray. So there is intense competition." The Federer-related questions didn't stop there. Some even asked if he was a lucky charm for Federer, who claimed the US Open after having won the Olympic doubles gold with Wawrinka. "Perhaps," he shrugged.
Wawrinka, the second seed here, looked weary after his long trip from home. "I'm still under some jet lag and the weather takes some time to get used to so I am glad I am getting an extra day's rest. We have had a good two-three weeks break but this extra day doesn't hurt," said Wawrinka, who only starts his maiden Chennai Open campaign tomorrow against as yet unknown qualifier.
"It'll be an interesting week. I don't know whom I am playing and that's always tough. But the first tournament is always difficult since it sets the pace for the year. The field is as usual spread well. Not sure how players will perform since it is only the first tournament. But it's a good start as the Australian summer will also be tough."
