Stan Wawrinka withdraws from Madrid and Rome

The three-time Major champion Stan Wawrinka will not recover in time for the upcoming Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Rome, needing more time to get back at 100% after foot surgery.

World no. 21 underwent a minor left foot procedure at the end of March, making that move to play injury-free and extend his career. The Swiss hasn't played at his best once the tennis restarted last August, winning only three matches in 2021 and struggling to produce his best level.

Stan had to give Jeremy Chardy a walkover in at the ATP 250 Melbourne 2 event ahead of the Australian Open, where he experienced another setback. Marton Fucsovics ousted Wawrinka in five thrilling sets after saving three match points in the deciding set's tie break.

In the Rotterdam first round, Wawrinka lost to Karen Khachanov and fell to Lloyd Harris in Doha in three exciting sets. Ten days later, Wawrinka underwent surgery, hoping to get back at his best and chase notable victories in the rest of the season. After skipping Madrid and Rome, Stan will not compete in Geneva and Lyon if he doesn't ask for a wild card, setting eyes on Roland Garros if he recovers in the next couple of weeks.

Wawrinka was the Madrid Open finalist in 2013 and the Rome finalist five years earlier, losing those to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal and staying on one Masters 1000 title on clay in Monte Carlo.

"Hey guys, I just wanted to update you. After having some problems with my left foot for a while, I have decided to do a small procedure. Everything went well. I will be out for a few weeks but can't wait to start practicing again soon," Stan Wawrinka said.