AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 15, 2024

Stan Wawrinka

Press Conference

A. MANNARINO/S. Wawrinka

6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-0

THE MODERATOR: Stan, bad luck today. Can you tell us what happened in the last two sets. Did you run out of steam?

STAN WAWRINKA: Yeah, it was a tough battle. I was playing well, tough conditions against a tough player. Of course Mannarino, he's playing well. He's into top 20, playing his best tennis.

Yeah, it was a bit tough at the end. Couldn't really push myself more. I didn't do the work I wanted in the offseason because I got injured in the last tournament. So it was a race a bit to come back here. But I'm quite happy with the ten days I had here. I had some good practice. Today was a good level in general. I'm just sad with the result, but it is what it is.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. Did you feel that that crowd was really trying to help you on with every point and every set?

STAN WAWRINKA: Yeah, it was a great atmosphere on this court. Is really nice to play. Was a lot of support. I really enjoy. I love to come back here. Unfortunately I already lost, but it's always something special to be here, especially with the fans.

Q. Ten years ago you win your first Grand Slam here in Melbourne. Could you talk about your memory about that time.

STAN WAWRINKA: Yeah, of course it was amazing, amazing memories ten years ago, winning your first Grand Slam here in Australia, it was really something special. I had two amazing weeks playing my best tennis, beating Novak, beating Rafa in the final. When you start playing tennis, the dream is to play in Grand Slam, so winning one was something really special.

Q. Do you have any plan for this year? Is this your last time play here or not?

STAN WAWRINKA: Hopefully not. Hopefully not. I will see how the year goes. It's just the beginning of the year.

In general, I'm quite positive with where I am right now. Even after the loss, I think there is some good opportunity for me to keep pushing, keep playing some good result, and hopefully I can come back next year.