Stan Wawrinka wants to help Switzerland after the team qualifies for Davis Cup Group Stage, says he still has the urge
Stan Wawrinka's heroics in a must-win match against Germany in the 2023 Davis Cup qualifiers on February 5 saw Switzerland through to the group stage. He expressed his desire to further help the team in September when Switzerland will aim to qualify for the knockout stage against three other teams.
The 37-year-old star has struggled with multiple injuries and missed numerous events over the last few years. However, he hasn't lost motivation and seems determined to continue playing for as long as he can.
The only time Switzerland won the Davis Cup was in 2014. Roger Federer and Wawrinka displayed a high level of tennis to beat France 3-1 in the finals back then. The three-time Grand Slam champion returned to the tournament after eight years.
Germany were 2-1 up in the race in Trier before Swiss No. 1 Marc-Andrea Huesler downed Alexander Zverev to give his team a glimmer of hope. Wawrinka lost in straight sets against Zverev earlier. However, he beat Daniel Altmaier in the decider to give Switzerland a 3-2 victory over the three-time champions.
After reaching the group stage, World No. 134 Wawrinka stated that he still had the urge to keep fighting. He added that he was looking forward to helping his team in September.
“Marc-Andrea delivered an extraordinary match to give me the chance to play the decisive single," Stan Wawrinka said. "It is thanks to him and his two victories we were still alive. The urge is there. I loved spending this week with this team. But I have to be in good shape in September. Until then, I would like to have a good season and move up the rankings, of course."
"I want to help this team. I believe it has real potential with Huesler who knows how to be present in the big matches, and Dominic Stricker and Leandro Riedi, who are on the way to asserting themselves. Yes, there is plenty to do with this team," he added.
"I love playing for Switzerland" - Stan Wawrinka
Stan Wawrinka helped Switzerland beat Germany 3-2 in the 2023 Davis Cup qualifiers and reach the group stage, to be held in September. Before the matches against Germany, the 37-year-old stated that he loved playing for his country and was always available.
"I always said that I would like to play once again for my country in Davis Cup and that I am available to play if I can bring support to the team. I love playing for Switzerland and we have a great team, we know each other quite well, even though I am the oldest."