"I love playing tennis": Stan Wawrinka vows to continue playing tennis despite suffering 'frustrating' exit from Monte-Carlo Masters

Former world number three Stan Wawrinka has stated that he still has ‘passion’ for playing tennis despite suffering a first-round exit from the ongoing Monte-Carlo Masters. The 40-year-old suffered a defeat in the round of 64 to Alejandro Tabilo with a score of 1-6, 7-5, 7-5.

Wawrinka, who has had a fabulous career at the highest level where he has lifted three Grand Slam titles, talked to the media after the match and expressed frustration about the result, especially after dominating his opponent in the first set. He was of the opinion that he regrets being less aggressive despite winning the first set. However, the 2015 French Open winner stated that he still has ‘passion’ for the sport.

“Yeah, it’s those tough loss, frustrating, frustrating loss today, but level is there. Missing some really tough things to finish those matches,” he said. “Frustration increases with years because you know you are getting close to the end and you will have less opportunities of going further in the tournaments if you lose. So it’s more frustrating. As always in tennis, it was one point here, one point there. Maybe feeling a bit too relaxed at certain important moments.”

He continued by saying: “I should have been more aggressive now and then, and also I made mistakes at the bad moments sometimes, and that made the difference. Like we said, passion of the sport. You know that as an athlete, when you stop there is no comeback possible, especially when you get older. I want to enjoy as much as possible. I love playing tennis. Playing tennis, it’s a game that I really enjoy. Had the chance to play all the best tournaments in the world. I want to keep pushing a little bit. I enjoy the process. I enjoy the practice. I enjoy playing those big tournaments like here, like today, those big match, and that’s what keeps me going a little bit.”