Stan Wawrinka Hoping For Strong Start In Melbourne

Stan Wawrinka said he's hoping for a strong start at the Australian Open, which happens to be the first grand slam of the season. The 34-years-old started the new year in fine form as he reached the semi-final of the Qatar Open in Doha. And he's hoping to continue his form in Melbourne.

"It’s another year and still after all these years on Tour, I’m always very happy to be here. I prepared very well and I feel good here. I practiced all week, feeling good, and I hope to get a good start into this tournament,” Wawrinka said.

“It’s the first Grand Slam of the season. It’s summer here and we come from the European winter, more or less the first time we see the sun here usually. There are many fans here and a great atmosphere all day on all courts. I won my first Grand Slam here. I also like the conditions and am happy to be back here"

Wawrinka will start his 2020 Australia Open campaign against Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia & Herzegovina in the first round on Tuesday. The two players are no stranger to each other as they've met several times in the past. Wawrinka said how he fares against Dzumhur will depend on how he plays and he's hoping he can impose his game when the duo meets.

"I know Dzumhur well, I played him several times. I have lost and won against him in the past. He plays mostly from the baseline, moves well, returns well, does everything well. I think it will depend on how I play and if I can impose my game. I hope that I can do that."

The Swiss lost in the Doha semifinal to Frenchman Corentin Moutet in three sets. Although he rues his missed chances against Moutet, he's happy about the level of his game and is looking forward to the Australian Open.

“It was the first tournament, and of course you always want to improve and do better. I had my chances, which I didn’t take sadly."

“Nevertheless it was a good start to the year. I’m very happy about my 10 days in Doha before coming here... I’m happy about the level of my game and how practice goes. Now I can’t wait to play my first match."

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