Roger Federer (Photo : Getty Images)
For Stan Wawrinka, there is only one wish for him in 2017, and that is too see his compatriot Roger Federer healthy and ready to compete in tournaments again.
Wawrinka has already enjoyed one of his best seasons, winning four tour-level titles and tying his career-best mark in the world rankings. The 31-year-old could end this season satisfied with his performance after defeating world No. 1 Novak Djokovic at the US Open to capture his third Grand Slam singles title.
Wawrinka insisted there is nothing he could possibly wish for himself next season as he is already working hard to make the best he can in his career. But one thing he would like to happen is see his countryman Roger Federer back in the tennis scene in full health.
"For tennis in general, that Roger will be back at the top with no injury. I think it's always good for everybody when he's playing," Wawrinka said when asked what his two wishes for 2017 would be, reports ATP's official website.
"And for myself, I don't have any - I'm working every day to try to make the best I can with my tennis career, so we'll see how I can play next year."
However, Wawrinka is also skeptical about Federer's chances of coming back in the top four of the world rankings. Federer, along with career rival Rafael Nadal, is out of the world's top four for the first time in 13 years, dropping from No. 3 at the start of the year to four places down at this point.
"I think he's practising. I don't know if he's gonna be back in the top four. We will see," Wawrinka said. "It's the first time he has a big injury. It's not easy to come back after that. But if he's fit and 100 percent, for sure he will be really dangerous."
I’ll miss playing this fall but will be back to Switzerland with Match for Africa 3 on Apr 10, 2017,playing 2x Olympic champion @andy_murray
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) October 12, 2016
Federer skipped the remainder of the season after re-injuring his surgically-repaired knee at Wimbledon. The Swiss Maestro, who is set to return early next year after a full recuperation from the injury, claimed he is on track for a strong comeback, confirming his participations at the Hopman Cup and Australian Open.
"My team tells me I'm on schedule and the promise of getting back on court and competing again is very exciting," Federer said, reports the Herald Sun.
"I've missed it so much. My motivation and love of the sport is as strong as ever and I'm really looking forward to heading down under to see all my Australian fans."
Video courtesy: YouTube/Fed RF Maestro
