Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
STAN: I PUSHED MYSELF TOO FAR
STAN WAWRINKA has revealed the physical and mental stress suffered by top stars as he battles to get fit for the Australian Open.
Andy Murray has already pulled out and undergone hip surgery. Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza is a fresh doubt after withdrawing from the Sydney International with a thigh injury.
Three-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka has had two knee operations since losing in the first round at Wimbledon last year.
The Swiss was scheduled to return in an exhibition tournament in Melbourne yesterday, but had to admit he is still not fit.
Wawrinka, 32, said: “When we try to get better, we push the machine to the limit. I always knew that the sport at this level was not good for the body. We know we will have problems later.
“These last two years I have pushed too far, for too long and the engine has often overheated. But it is mental too.
“I have felt exhausted these last few years. I have felt on the edge of a breakdown saying to myself, ‘I can’t do this any more’. But winning is addictive – you want more. I have the feeling everyone is going to the cemetery!”
SERENA WILLIAMS believes being a mum will help her break the record of 25 Grand Slam titles.
The American, who gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia in September, has pulled out of the Australian Open leaving her on 23 Majors. But Williams, 36, insisted: “I think having a baby might help.
“When I’m anxious I lose and a lot of that anxiety disappeared when Olympia was born.”