Veteran Wawrinka has no plans to retire after Australian Open defeat

English Woman's Journal - Veteran Wawrinka has no plans to retire after Australian Open defeat

SPORTS 15.01.2024

Veteran Wawrinka has no plans to retire after Australian Open defeat / Photo: Martin KEEP - AFP

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka said he has no plans to call it quits after losing in the Australian Open first round on Monday and hopes to be back next year aged 39.

Change text size:

The Swiss star, who beat Rafael Nadal to win the opening Grand Slam of the year a decade ago, looked on course for an upset of fellow veteran Adrian Mannarino.

But he lost 11 of the last 12 games to crash out to the French 20th seed 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-0.

"I was playing well, tough conditions against a tough player," said the 38-year-old, now ranked 56 and at his 18th Australian Open.

"Couldn't really push myself more. I didn't do the work I wanted in the off-season 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 10 days I had here (in Australia)."

Wawrinka has been on tour since 2002, winning 16 titles, including the Australian Open (2014), French Open (2015), and US Open (2016).

His Grand Slam-winning days might be over, but he has no plans to retire.

"Hopefully not. I will see how the year goes. It's just the beginning of the year," he said of hanging up his racquet.

"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 and get some good results, and hopefully I can come back next year."

M.Campbel--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Veteran Wawrinka has no plans to retire after Australian Open defeat