Stan Wawrinka Was The Only Player To Beat Novak Djokovic In A Slam Last Year

Stan Warwinka met the press today at the Australian Open where he first came into prominence beating Novak Djokovic and then Rafael Nadal to win the title in 2014.

The Swiss backed up it with a French Open title last year, and in doing so he was the only player to beat Djokovic in a Slam all season, but it doesn’t matter now to Wawrinka. The past is the past.

“For sure he’s playing amazing,” Wawrinka said of the Serb. “The level he’s putting is quite amazing. That’s why he’s No.1 in the world.

“For me, doesn’t change anything for this tournament,” he said of his wins over Novak. “As long as I don’t play him, I don’t need to take that. I don’t need to take the victory against him. I’m happy the way I’m playing so far. I’m confident with my game. I’m looking forward to start Tuesday here.”

Wawrinka won’t have to face Djokovic until the finals. Before then, he’ll open up against veteran Russian Dmitry Tursunov on Tuesday in Melbourne.

“He’s coming back I think with injury,” Wawrinka said about Tursunov. “Always been a dangerous player. I think he play a little bit last year, end of year. I saw him playing already in the past. Was always tough matches.He’s tough player because he’s going for a lot of winner. He’s playing hard and fast. We’ll see. I will have to be ready from the first match.”

Wawrinka began 2016 winning Chennai for a third straight year. “I’m feeling good. Started well the year. I won the trophy again in Chennai. Playing really good tennis. So happy to be back. Been practicing well. Looking forward to start the tournament.”