Stanislas Wawrinka is preparing to defend his Australian Open title, looking back at his win a year ago but not putting pressure on himself to repeat.
The Swiss has enjoyed returning to the tournament following his big win, and like a year ago, comes in having won Chennai. "I feel great coming here, been getting a lot of confidence, winning the first tournament of the year. I feel ready to start," he told press before the Australian Open.
"I'm not putting my goal to win a Grand Slam. I know I can do it, that's not the question," he said. "But it's a long way for that. For me most important is to be ready for the first match. I know how is it. I've been playing so many years to know the deal. You have to be ready, take match after match, and see where you can go."
The 29-year-old is in the same half as Novak Djokovic, which means the two could have a repeat of their five-set matches in the quarterfinals and in the fourth round the previous two years. Wawrinka isn't looking that far ahead.
"I saw what could be my draw," he said. "Really, I know how is it. I have to win the first matches. I have to get through the first week. More I will win, better I will play. So we'll see. I'm quite happy the way I'm getting through the tournament, and excited to start again."
He named Djokovic as the favorite for the tournament, followed by Roger Federer, and said Rafael Nadal would become a title contender if the Spaniard gets through his first-week matches. Wawrinka, however, will be the one taking the court as defending champion.
"For sure I'm looking forward to being back on the court here," Wawrinka said. "After last year, it's going to bring me also some memories, some great feeling, I'm sure. Again, then if you have the crowd on your side, it's always better. But for that you also have to play good. You also have to show what you have on the court."