Watch: Stan Wawrinka returns to training after 11-month hiatus
Stan Wawrinka took to social media on Friday to share a video of his return to the training courts in Geneva. The Swiss last played a competitive match almost a year ago, at the 2021 Qatar Open in March.
After a shock first-round exit at the hands of qualifier Lloyd Harris, the three-time Grand Slam champion cut his season short citing a foot injury. He missed the last three Majors of the year and the 2022 Australian Open due to subsequent surgery and recovery process.
The 36-year-old announced his return with a short video. The former World No. 3 was spotted hitting one of his trademark single-handed backhands in a session with his coach Daniel Vallverdu and physiotherapist Stefan Duell.
"It's been a while," Wawrinka wrote.
He shared a couple more videos on his Instagram story where he showcased his forehand.
Duell also posted a photo of the trio at the end of the session, expressing the same sentiment as the Swiss.
"It’s been a while. Let's go, Stan Wawrinka!" Duell captioned the post.
Stan Wawrinka's ATP ranking has dropped to its lowest since 2018
Missing four Grand Slams on the trot has taken its toll on Stan Wawrinka's ATP ranking. He has tumbled down to World No. 159, his lowest ranking since an injury-plagued 2018 season that saw him drop to World No. 263.
Assuming the Swiss can make a full recovery in time for Roland Garros, he will have to come through the qualifiers or hope for a wildcard based on his current situation.
The French Open is Wawrinka's most successful Grand Slam. He won the title in 2015 and finished runner-up in 2017. He also reached the semifinals once (2016) and quarterfinals twice (2013 and 2019).
The grasscourt season has been his least successful over the years (50% win percentage) and Wawrinka will be hoping he does not have to jump straight into Wimbledon on his return to tennis. The World No. 159's best showing at SW19 has been reaching the last eight in 2014 and 2015.
Having won three different Majors, a title at the Wimbledon Championships will give Wawrinka a Career Grand Slam. The Swiss will then become only the ninth man in tennis history to achieve the feat and the fourth among active players after Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.