Wawrinka Through to First Ever Grand Slam Finals in Melbourne

January 23, 2014 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Adam Wiolfthal

Stanislas Wawrinka has advanced to his first ever Grand Slam final after defeating Tomas Berdych 6-3, 6-7(1), 7-6(3), 7-6(4) on Thursday in the Australian Open semifinals. Wawrinka awaits the winner of Friday’s semifinal match between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. It is the 33rd meeting between the two with Nadal holding a 22-10 advantage lifetime.

“After the semifinal in U.S. Open, I knew that I was close to be there,” said Wawrinka. “But still was for me far away to make a final in Grand Slam. You never know what's going to happen. I was disappointed to lose against Novak at the U.S. Open, but I knew I was close with the level.”

Wawrinka could face fellow countryman Roger Federer in the first all-Swiss Grand Slam final, should Federer overcome Nadal in their semifinal encounter.

"To play a Swiss final would be amazing, first for Switzerland, for the country," said Wawrinka. "He is the best player ever. For me, it's my first final. To imagine playing against Roger would be amazing."

Wawrinka is building on a career-best 2013, which saw him reach his first major semifinal at the U.S. Open where he lost to Novak Djokovic and qualify for the year-end Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

"I'm more mature. I'm 28 now,” said Wawrinka. “I've been on the tour for 10 years. Now I feel that it's my time to play my best tennis. I'm enjoying more what I'm doing, when I'm winning, and also maybe I know more how to deal with all the pressure around."

 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
USTA NTC

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