"I’m trying to get in shape": Wawrinka starts road back from COVID-19

Stanislas Wawrinka has revealed he is not only coming off two weeks of quarantine going into the Australian Open, but that he also recently had the coronavirus.

The 35-year-old from Switzerland, speaking to the Financial Review, said he became ill during the holidays. It cost him a lot of what he had achieved during his off-season training.

"I’m trying to get in shape," acknowledged Wawrinka. "I had to stay more than 10 days at home."

Wawrinka said the illness had quite a significant impact on him.

"I was really feeling bad during five days but the symptoms, you keep it, and are really more tired every day and that lasts a few weeks and there is still some symptoms that you get and wonder why," he said. "It was not a good experience, I had a tough time at home. Now I finally start to see that I am feeling better but it can touch you badly and it’s important to be really careful."

The three-time Grand Slam champion did not join the complaints of some other players about having to quarantine in Melbourne, noting the region had had a lengthy lockdown and "when we arrive here as a guest we need to adapt" to the requirements. He was not among the at least 72 players who were not allowed to practice or leave their rooms because of potential contact with those found as having the virus.

"I had a nice room, big room, I’ve been able to practice every day for five hours," he said. "I think the organisation, the amount of effort to make so many people coming here, it’s huge."

Finishing quarantine will allow him to get back to playing, along with some regular activities that haven't been allowed during the European lockdown.

"I’m looking forward to going to a restaurant," he said, before adding that he also wants to play in front of crowds.

"I’m really looking forward to this feeling of stress and emotion at the same time. That’s what I’m here for and I’m really happy to be here."