Three-time Grand Slam champion, Swiss tennis player Stan Wawrinka, has revealed what motivates him to continue his career at the age of 40.
On April 7th, Wawrinka was defeated by Alejandro Tabilo in the first round of the Monte-Carlo Masters (6-1, 5-7, 5-7). Despite the loss, Wawrinka had a break advantage in the third set.
Notably, last week he achieved a milestone, becoming only the third player in history to win a clay-court match after reaching 40 years old.
During a press conference, Wawrinka was asked about his enduring passion for the sport and his dedication to training, especially given his age and recent discussions around Novak Djokovic`s age in tennis.
In response, Wawrinka stated, “As we`ve discussed, it`s the passion for the sport. We athletes understand that stopping means there`s no turning back, particularly as you get older. I want to savor every moment for as long as I can.”
He further elaborated, “I love playing tennis, and it brings me joy. I`ve had the privilege to compete in all the major tournaments, and I`m eager to push myself a bit further.”
Wawrinka concluded, “I appreciate the journey, I enjoy the training. Competing in significant tournaments and challenging matches, like the one here, fuels my desire to continue.”
Rupert Hartwell