‘Stan the Man’ Wawrinka primed to weave tennis magic at Diriyah
He’s a fan favorite known around the world as “Stan the Man” and now tennis enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia will be able to watch three-time Grand Slam winner in action with the announcement of the $3 million Diriyah Tennis Cup.
Staged as part of the Diriyah Season (which includes Formula E, World Heavyweight boxing and an elite equestrian event) Stan Wawrinka will battle it out in a unique tournament featuring eight of the world’s best men’s tennis players, all with their eyes on the coveted Diriyah Cup. It will be the first time international tennis has come to the Kingdom and, ahead of the contest, “Stan the Man” spoke about his excitement in playing in the Diriyah Tennis Cup, staged in an iconic venue at the a UNESCO world heritage site, in the 15,000-seater purpose built Diriyah Arena.
Arab News: You were so close to winning the European Open in Belgium, can you tell us what happened and how Andy Murray won at the end?
Stan Wawrinka: First it’s always been a pleasure sharing a court with Andy, great to have him back and congrats on a strong tournament, As for the match he hung on in the end and did not want to lose, it was so close, sure I do not like to lose but I’m happy to see Andy back and on the winning track.
AN: How important is it for tennis to be coming to Saudi Arabia and bringing the game to a new market? How excited are you to be playing here?
SW: I think it is great for tennis, but it is more important for the kids here around to see some live tennis action. I’m really excited to be playing in the first tournament ever to be played here. So that is going to be really special and hopefully it will be a great atmosphere, and I’m looking forward to seeing all the young fans.
AN: As an international tennis player you travel a lot throughout the year. How do you feel about visiting and playing in Saudi Arabia?
SW: I always enjoyed traveling and you need that as a tennis player because you travel 10 months a year, but also after so many years on the tour I enjoy it even more when I get to a new place, a new tournament and see something new, and that is something great here.
AN: What do you think of the ongoing sporting revolution in Saudi Arabia? What does it mean for you as an athlete?
SW: I have heard a lot of good stuff (about Saudi Arabia) and especially what they are doing now for sport.
They are making a lot of big events in different kinds of sports, and that is something great for the country, for the fans and the kids to see all the sports and events coming here. I’m sure it is going be something amazing. To build a tennis court here with so many people attending a tennis tournament for the first time will feel really special as a player to come here.
AN: Diriyah Season features different high-profile sporting events. What do you think of the season and its program?
SW: It is a big program with many events such as Formula E, boxing and tennis. It is going to be really busy for everybody and I’m looking forward to it. I’ve heard only good things about Formula E last year, and I saw where the tennis court is going to be and I’m sure it will be great.
AN: Speaking of the other events in Diriyah Season, the tennis competition is a few days after the Clash on the Dunes which pits Andy Ruiz Jr. against Anthony Joshua in the first World Heavyweight title fight in the Middle East. Who is your pick for this incredible showdown?
SW: They’re going to be at the same stadium. We are going to play the tennis after (the fight, which will be) a few days before us. Joshua is a big one and I’m betting on him.
AN: You’ll be up against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, Belgium’s David Goffin and Italy’s Fabio Fogini and four more competitors to be announced later. How do you see your participation in the inaugural edition of the Diriyah Tennis Cup? How does it impact your preparations for the next season?
SW: I think it is going to be a perfect start [to the season]. It is going to be at the end of the pre-season. Starting with a tournament like that with so many good players is going to be super great for my tennis. I think the atmosphere is going to be great. It is the first tennis tournament here and it will be really special, so I’m happy to be playing here for the first year and hopefully many more years.
AN: Some fans might be tempted to watch the games on TV rather than attending the action live. How different is it living the whole experience in the stands?
SW: It is completely different from TV. (In reality) you can see the speed, you can see the spin and the way we are moving. I think it is way more impressive to watch it live. You also feel the atmosphere, the tension on the court and the stress from the players, so it is always something special to watch sport live.
AN: Looking ahead to the new season, what are your aspirations? What do you want to achieve?
SW: I need to finish the year and then have a good off-season and pre-season and work out to keep improving. This year I’m really happy to be back in the top 20 and I saw that I can still beat the top players and make some big results. Hopefully next year I can keep pushing in that direction and try to get back higher in the ranking and try to push a little for more big results.
AN: What does a tennis player do in pre-season training? How does your preparation differ from some of the other big players?
SW: We take the time to have an offseason in tennis. We don’t have a super long off-season, so after the last tournament normally we will take a little bit of holiday, maybe 10 days or maximum two weeks but probably 10 days and then you have a few weeks to basically work on your fitness and your tennis. Most of the time I start first on the fitness side and move onto tennis and fitness together, and finish with only tennis.