Stan Wawrinka discusses contenders who can challenge Novak Djokovic in 2023 ft. Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev
Stan Wawrinka revealed his picks for the players who could challenge Novak Djokovic in 2023. He joined host Seb Lauzier on the 'ATP Tennis Radio Podcast' to share his thoughts.
Stan Wawrinka recently competed at the Open 13 Provence in Marseille. He battled past Zizou Bergs and Richard Gasquet to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament. He eventually lost the encounter to 18-year-old Arthus Fils 6-3, 6-3.
Host Seb Lauzier asked the three-time Grand Slam champion for his views on which players could pose a challenge to Novak Djokovic during the season. He told Wawrinka he was welcome to put his own name in the mix as well.
However, Wawrinka admitted that his level was not quite there yet so he wouldn't put himself forward as a contender.
"I'm far away from that that's for sure, I'm not going to be there," Wawrinka said.
The 37-year-old praised Novak Djokovic as the the best player in the world when he is mentally and physically fit.
"For sure when Novak is playing and is fit and ready and mentally there, he's the best player in the world," Wawrinka said.
Wawrinka selected Rafael Nadal to be Djokovic's foremost competitor, especially at the French Open where the Spaniard has won a record 14 titles. While Djokovic defeated Nadal at the French Open in 2021, it was the Spaniard who came out on top in the 2022 Roland Garros quarterfinals. The Swiss expressed interest in watching the French Open play out.
"I think we of course need to be careful with Rafa on clay. It's going to be interesting to see what's going to happen at the French Open," Wawrinka said.
He added that there is a large group of players who could potentially pose a threat to the World No. 1 including Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Medvedev previously got the better of the Serb in the 2021 US Open final.
"I think there is a big group of players. There is Medvedev, he is always there. There is Tsitsipas, he is an amazing player," Wawrinka added.
The former World No. 3 said that with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner also in the mix, three different generations of players have emerged as contenders for Grand Slam titles.
"You have Alcaraz, you have Sinner. You have a few different generations that are fighting to win the bigger titles of the year."
Novak Djokovic is happy to be back on the court in Dubai
Novak Djokovic is happy to make his return to the ATP tour at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Prior to the commencement of the main draw matches, the Serb spoke positively about playing in Dubai, stating that it has become one of the most important places for tennis players in the past decade or so. He praised the climate, facilities, and the international community there.
“Dubai in the last 10 or 15 years has become one of the most important places and bases for tennis players, both men and women. So many players come here in the offseason, including myself. Fantastic climate, very international, the conditions, facilities, everything is phenomenal," the World No. 1 said.
Djokovic also mentioned feeling welcomed and appreciated by the people of Dubai and is looking forward to playing in front of a supportive crowd.
“People love tennis here. People appreciate tennis players here. I feel comfortable. I feel welcomed. I’ve had plenty of support in previous years when I’ve played in Dubai. I’m really looking forward to a great atmosphere on the court,” he added.
Novak Djokovic has previously won the Dubai Tennis Championships five times, with his most recent victory coming in 2020. The World No. 1 will face Tomas Machac in the first round of the tournament on Tuesday, February 28.