Stan Wawrinka has been previewing the rest of the 2024 season.
The Swiss star, who has enjoyed 22 impressive years on tour, boasts a glittering career so often foiled by the ‘big three’ of whom he played alongside.
Despite that, he still boasts an impressive 16 career titles, including three Grand Slams. A more than admirable return when trying to combat some of the best players tennis has ever seen.
Well, it is one of that trio that he is touting for big things this year.
But what does Wawrinka think Rafael Nadal needs to do to enjoy that success? Let’s take a closer look…
What Stan Wawrinka said about Rafael Nadal
It is no surprise that the Spaniard has been plagued with injuries across the last, which has seen his influence wane, given his age and impactful play style.
He is aggressive and all-action, so wear and tear was to be expected.
However, a persisting hip injury has already ruled him out of the Australian Open, and the hope is that he can overcome it in time to first be passed fit for his highly-anticipated Netflix showdown with Carlos Alcaraz, and then Indian Wells.
Wawrinka too is hoping for such a comeback, and suspects that should he find some consistency, he could dominate.
The 38-year-old noted: ‘Rafa is a great champion and he has already been injured before and came back. It doesn’t matter what you have earned or how much money you have, if you feel that passion you want to continue.
‘In Brisbane, he was playing at a high level before getting injured again. If he is healthy, he will be a danger to everyone and a candidate for big titles.
‘If he is healthy, he will always be one of the favourites wherever he goes. He’s missing games. He has won so many times at Roland Garros that he will always be the favourite. There is no one who knows the tournament better.’
This is a sentiment Toni Nadal echoes.
We would love a Rafael Nadal return to form
As a fan and as a writer, it is impossible not to revel in the remarkable career enjoyed by Nadal.
He is one of the all-time greats in tennis and boasts a dominance over the clay court the likes of which we will never see again on any one surface.
A legendary figure with a fierce forehand, the current world number 652’s quality is renowned across the world.
So, Wawrinka’s claim is not an unruly one. Fitness is the only barrier that the 37-year-old will face, and should he overcome it we could see him enjoy a renaissance in the same way that Novak Djokovic is.
Not only have these two showcased a level the sport had never seen previously, but the longevity too is what will cement their place in history.
Let’s hope Nadal can add a few more titles to his legacy before calling time on his superb career.
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