Fans are used to seeing Stan Wawrinka within the highlight. Years of bludgeoning one-handed backhands and lifting trophies on tennis’ greatest levels will try this.
But this week the 37-year-old has proven followers a special aspect. ‘Stan The Man’ has advanced into ‘Captain Stan’ as Switzerland’s taking part in captain in Brisbane on the inaugural United Cup.
“He appears actually strict,” group member Jil Teichmann stated on Media Day, cracking fun. “Like, choosy.”
It didn’t take lengthy for the three-time main winner to put down the legislation.
“I’m having fun with being actually strict in opposition to somebody who was late right this moment,” Wawrinka stated because the group erupted into laughter. “We are sorry, it was Belinda [Bencic]. It’s going to be the final time we will be late!”
Although Wawrinka spoke like ‘Sergeant Stan’ reasonably than ‘Captain Stan’, the truth is that the Swiss legend has embraced his position and has created a familial ambiance that has his nation in rivalry in Brisbane. If Switzerland defeats Poland on Tuesday, it can advance to the Brisbane City Final.
Wawrinka has been visibly invested in all of his teammate’s matches, continually standing from his bench within the Team Zone to induce them on throughout matches.
“Tactics-wise, clearly he sees the sport and every thing,” Bencic stated. “But additionally, he was actually constructive and like [fist] pumping each level. I believe that is the way it must be. I really feel like we had been used to one another in a short time.”
Photo Credit: Tennis Australia
“To have Stan on the bench it’s extremely particular. I thanked him earlier than already,” Teichmann stated. “I informed him it is very nice to have him there. He actually retains you calm, he is actually good, provides you these clever suggestions.”
The 37-year-old stated that he’s “actually proud” that he was chosen captain of the group. Although he performed down how a lot he is ready to assist the gamers throughout matches, he has actually tried.
“It’s a brand new expertise for certain. As I say, I believe it may be actually attention-grabbing to look at them play from the courtroom, speak with them. At the top of the day all of them know what to do,” Wawrinka stated. “They are nice gamers, they know easy methods to win. I’m simply going to be right here in the event that they want extra assist.”
The Swiss has visibly loved digging into the small particulars of matches. One of the most typical scenes inside Pat Rafter Arena has been Wawrinka along with his palms on his knees or in a crouch in his Team Zone throughout changeovers, diving right into a dialogue with a participant like a professor.
Between that and the feelings he confirmed throughout his singles win in opposition to Alexander Bublik in Switzerland’s opening tie, it’s abundantly clear Wawrinka loves the game and all that comes with it.
“I like the emotion that I can get. I’m certain the day I’ll cease taking part in tennis I’ll by no means discover that emotion anymore,” Wawrinka stated. “Then I like the sport, the competitors, to compete, I like the method to get there. Even if it is robust, even when you must push your self, daily I believe it is one thing I actually get pleasure from, to enhance, to be at my finest, and to compete on the highest stage.”
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Wawrinka’s teammates grew up watching him compete on the prime of the tennis world. Besides Wawrinka, the oldest participant on the group is Alexander Ritschard, who’s 28. When Stan claimed his first main trophy on the 2014 Australian Open, Ritschard was 20. Now, the taking part in has empowered Ritschard, making him performing captain throughout Wawrinka’s personal match.
The group has regarded as much as Wawrinka for years, as the previous World No. 3 is a nationwide icon. Along with Roger Federer, he led Switzerland to Davis Cup glory in 2014. That second remains to be engrained in Marc-Andrea Huesler’s reminiscence.
“I watched the whole doubles there and I used to be amazed by how they each had been taking part in, how they competed themselves and the entire power in that stadium was fairly superb,” Huesler stated. “And additionally I’d most likely even say I noticed Stan play finest of 5 matches in Australia in opposition to Novak, shedding the primary couple after which having the ability to win. Complete epic matches, additionally in Paris, the finals of Paris was completely insane the way in which he was taking part in.
“Those reminiscences, once you see that, these are the largest [memories] that I’ve of him. I haven’t practised with him that always previously, however he’s an awesome man and it’s additionally cool to be sharing this group with him and attempting to mainly win collectively.”
On a week-to-week foundation, Wawrinka is ready to deal with himself. But his coach, former World No. 2 Magnus Norman, sees how a lot his cost is having fun with main his nation’s group on the United Cup.
“I can see that Stan actually likes it. He likes group occasions and the place he’s proper now in his profession I believe additionally it’s one thing new, it’s one thing completely different,” Norman stated. “When you’ve been on the Tour for thus lengthy it’s all the time the identical tournaments. The Tour is superb, nevertheless it’s all the time the identical, so in case you do one thing new, it makes every thing slightly bit extra recent, so I actually really feel that he enjoys it lots.”
In entrance of the press, the group joked about ‘Strict Stan’. But past that facade has been a caring, devoted chief. Who is stricter, Norman as Wawrinka’s coach or Captain Stan?
“I don’t know, it’s robust to reply,” Norman stated, cracking fun. “But I believe I’m possibly slightly bit extra strict as a coach.”