Wawrinka's coach believes he hasn't lost his motivation

Dani Vallverdu, coach of Stan Wawrinka, believes the 35-year old has not lost his motivation to compete at a high level.

Although the Swiss No.2 has been hindered by injury problems over the last two years, he still managed to finish runner-up twice in 2019, at Rotterdam and Antwerp. Vallverdu believes that Wawrinka still has the desire to make one last push next season.

"Once the tour had a little bit more of structure and we knew that tournaments were going to happen, Stan found the motivation again and we were able to practice with a goal and objectives in front of us," revealed Vallverdu. "The last few events of the year were very encouraging. He is now ready to go through this training block in December, and hopefully have a full season next year."

The former World No.3 reached this year's Australian Open quarterfinal, defeating ATP Finals champion Daniil Medvedev en route. Furthermore, he also made the semifinals of Doha and the quarterfinals at Acapulco and the Paris Masters. Vallverdu seems certain that Wawrinka has the will and experience to make one last push and remain competitive on tour.

"The hunger is definitely there and he wants to make a last push now at the end of his career," added Vallverdu. "The goals are not just to win tournaments, but to feel like he is competitive at a high level.

It would be unrealistic to say that the goals are to win a Grand Slam. Whether it can happen or not? With his potential and experience he feels if he is competitive against the guys that are at the top, he is always going to have a chance to achieve big results."