Age is an unfortunate factor that all sports personalities need to tackle. As aging affects the body, many stars start hitting a wall with their peak fitness levels. Stan Wawrinka, 38-year-old Swiss star, has fallen down quite a bit from the time he won three grand slams. While he still has the fire to play at the top, his physical ability has dwindled. In his recent return to the Croatia Open, Wawrinka detailed why he is persistent with tennis.

The former number 3 also became a bit nostalgic at the tournament. Not only is Wawrinka nostalgic about his return, he has returned to the tournament where he first announced his arrival to the tennis world. The Swiss player earned one of his most significant victories in the Croatia Open, as he remembers it fondly. 

Stan Wawrinka on returning back to his first championship

After an unfortunate exit in the second round from the Swiss Open, Wawrinka is back with a bang as he steps foot in the Croatia Open. The Swiss player faced Filip Misolic and collected a fairly easy victory in his bag. He won the match in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-2. He next faced Federico Coria in the second round of the Umag tournament with a score of 7-5, 6-1. Wawrinka will now face R. Carballés Baena in the quarter-final tomorrow.

After the first match, Wawrinka said he felt rather old as he returned to the tournament, where he won his first-ever title. “I’m feeling old. 😂 that’s so many years. It’s great to still be playing. I really enjoy what I’m doing. I enjoy playing in front of people. It’s great for me to be back… It’s always gonna be special.”

After his win in 2006, this was the first time Wawrinka played in the Croatia Open. He returned home with a big bang. As Wawrinka reels in the glory of his victory, he remembers the tournament to house one of his most significant matches ever. 

Read more – Swiss Tennis Legend Stan Wawrinka Wowed at 22-Year-Old ATP Star’s Dumb-Founding Retirement in Challenger Tournament

The most significant matches of Wawrinka’s career

In an interview with Paris Match Suisse in 2020, the three-time grand slam champion was asked to mention his most significant matches. After pondering over the question, he said that it is quite difficult to pick one. However, if he had to pick one, he would choose the final of the 2006 Croatia Open, where he won his first title. 

While he has given the world several outstanding matches, he would remember his first title vividly. The tournament in Umag paved the way for his success, and Wawrinka showed his talent many times after it. 

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