Having not played any matches since February, World No.17 Stan Wawrinka has opted to participate in two ATP Challenger events this month.

With the ATP Tour suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, very few players have match practice under their belts. Certain exhibition events like the Adria Tour and Ultimate Tennis Showdown have afforded a handful the opportunity to maintain match fitness. However, most are yet to take to the courts in any official capacity.

In an interview with Swiss daily newspaper Le Nouvelliste, Wawrinka disclosed he will play back-to-back ATP Challenger events in Prague from August 17 to 30. The 35-year old has not competed in an ATP event since Acapulco in February. He spent most of Friday morning practicing with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert at the Tennis Club Nyon. “It was one of the first times I played for points. For now, it’s coming back nicely. The first step is to get back into the rhythm,” Wawrinka told the newspaper.

These ATP Challenger clay-court events should help the former World No.3 prepare for Roland Garros, where he lifted the trophy in 2015. Although Wawrinka has won four career Challenger titles, he will face tough opposition as six Top 100 players have also entered the event.

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