Stan Wawrinka: Novak Djokovic doesn't need a lesson from me

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka admits he doesn't want to play in the United States under the current conditions and that's the main reason for his decision to skip the Cincinnati Masters and US Open.

Wawrinka, a former world No. 3, claimed his lone title at Flushing Meadows in 2016 after beating 17-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the final.

"I just don't feel like traveling to the US under these conditions," Wawrinka explained to Tages-Anzeiger. "I'm at an age and a phase of my career where I can't play everything after so many months off. I prefer to stay here and prepare for the clay season.

“I don't feel like having to stay in the same hotel for three or four weeks in a bubble. And when you get far in New York, it gets complicated to play well on clay right away. And then it is still unclear whether you have to do a quarantine after returning from the USA. There are many open questions."

"Not during such a break. I'm still playing well, I'm feeling good, I'm still getting very good results. My planning is still going on for three years," Wawrinka revealed. "In principle, I would like to play for a long time. I've always planned for the long term. Of course, I could stop before that. Life can change quickly."

Wawrinka gave his best to stay positive 

"Like everyone else, I had to adapt (during the coronavirus pandemic). But I was very relaxed and satisfied. I am privileged in my life, with my job and my possibilities. I was able to live very well in relation to all the negatives that have happened in the world. The most positive thing was that I could spend a lot of time at home and with my daughter," Wawrinka said. 

Wawrinka also reflected on what happened at the Adria Tour and he refused to talk negatively about the event and drop criticism on Djokovic. 

Djokovic's Adria Tour -- which was a charity event -- ended in disaster after four players tested positive for the coronavirus.

Djokovic received a lot of criticism over the events that happened at the Adria Tour.

"Everyone was laughing. He had followed the rules of his government. But sure, he's No. 1 in the world, he should set a good example and be a little more careful what he does. But I have no lesson to teach him," Wawrinka said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/33HasVu