Veteran Swiss tennis star Stanislas Wawrinka has opened up about his equations with 17-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic.

Stan Wawrinka says he enjoys cordial ties with Novak Djokovic

In an interview with a Swiss publication, the 35-year-old said he enjoys cordial ties with the Serbian superstar. Though one of the undisputed stalwarts in the game, Djokovic’s outspoken views on the governing body of men’s tennis and the ATP Player Council, of which he was the president not too long ago, has put him at odds with a section in the game’s administration.

Why Djokovic isn’t liked by a section of tennis frat

The Serb’s continued beef with the ATP and his alleged arrogant ways have not found favor with a section of tennis fans. However, the 3-time Slam champion said he has never had any issues with Djokovic and has trained with him frequently.

Wawrinka added that the Serb, being a strong character, makes his own choices and lives by them without bothering too much about how they go down with a section in the game’s administration and fraternity.

“Personally, I get along very well with him, we often train together. But he has his character, he makes his choices,” Wawrinka said.

How Djokovic found himself at odds with ATP

Weeks before the US Open this year, the Serb quit as President of the Player Council and walked out of the body along with fellow member and Tour mate Vasek Pospisil, alleging that it has no say in matters affecting players.

Shortly after, Djokovic floated the Professional Tennis Players’ Association, a rival front which he heads. His on-court rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were critical of his position vis-à-vis the Player Council.

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Recently, on the sidelines of the ATP Tour Finals event in London, the Serb said he had been renominated by the players to return to the Council, but the ATP made an overnight rule change to keep him out.

The clause in question bars anyone involved with a similar organization from seeking membership of the Council.

Alleging ‘politics’ behind the move, Djokovic said the rule change was a deliberate ploy to thwart his return to the Council. Pospisil, too, claimed that his renomination bid was nixed by the men’s body through the tweaking of the rulebook.