Zee Media Bureau/Jayanta Oinam
New Delhi: The story, so far, about Swiss tennis has been all about Roger Federer. Before him, there was Martina Hingis. But it seems, Federer will have to share headlines with a compatriot.
For long, Stanislas Wawrinka has been thriving under the shadow of illustrious and often incomparable compatriot, Roger Federer. However, after entering the 2014 Australian Open final, the other Swiss has announced his arrival in the big stage. Last couple of years, the big Stan has been fighting for his share of luck and trophies in the majors.
However, until now, he always ended up being one of the contenders to the big boys of tennis. But his gritty performance against the reigning and four time champion – Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals and the confident show against powerful Thomas Berdych in the semis, stamped his authority in the game.
Though, he will be playing his first final in a Major, the 28-year-old Swiss has already been a favourite among the purist, and lots of fans. His one-handed backhand, considered the best in the business, is the weapon many a rival players want to have. Besides his unrivaled on-court presence, with almost every shot in the manual, Wawrinka can end up being one of the top players in the next couple of years.
Now, with a former World No. 2 as his coach, Stan can afford to lift many more Slam trophies. Always regarded as one of the most hard working and gritty players in the ATP tour, the Swiss No. 2 certainly has the desire and will too. After his semi-final win over Berdych, the two-time Chennai Open champion said that "he has been working really hard for many years, trying to improve the game, trying to get some big matches in a big stadium."
Now, with his first final in a Grand Slam, he can choose to be happy and hope to be himself, not just other Swiss star.
