"This year he can be dangerous" - Top tennis players including Casper Ruud and Frances Tiafoe place their bets on Stan Wawrinka to score big in 2023

Tennis players, including Casper Ruud and Frances Tiafoe, are placing their bets on Stan Wawrinka to make a strong comeback in the ongoing 2023 season.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka has endured a tough few years due to injuries. The Swiss player suffered a left-foot injury in early 2021 and had to undergo two surgeries as a result.

The path to recovery lasted a whole year for Wawrinka, sowing seeds of doubt about his return. The 37-year-old, however, has pushed the hesitation aside and is fighting his way back to the top of the sport with immense determination.

In 2022, the player had a hard time trying to earn victories and scored just eight main draw wins, compared to 14 losses. However, Stan Wawrinka showed significant improvement in the second half of the season, scoring noteworthy wins over top players. His eight wins in 2022 included triumphs over Frances Tiafoe, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, and Brandon Nakashima.

In 2023, Wawrinka has been successful against Alexander Bublik twice - in the United Cup as well as recently in Rotterdam - and defeated Daniel Altmaier in the United Cup. The Swiss player’s latest victory came against Richard Gasquet at the ongoing ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, where he is through to the quarterfinals.

Although ranked No. 130 in the world, Stan Wawrinka’s determination and hunger haven't gone unnoticed as Casper Ruud and Frances Tiafoe believe the three-time Grand Slam champion will have the best comeback season in 2023.

“He has been injured for some time, but I think this year he can be dangerous,” Casper Ruud said in a 2023 prediction video for the ATP Tour.

“He seems motivated. I like Stan a lot. We get on really well,” Frances Tiafoe said.

Previously, John Isner and Karen Khachanov had similarly picked Wawrinka to make a stunning comeback on tour.

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"I will get some big results this year" - Stan Wawrinka optimistic about making a splash in 2023

Stan Wawrinka at 2023 Australian Open

Stan Wawrinka is feeling optimistic about his form in the ongoing season. The Swiss player, who is currently contesting the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, admitted to putting in immense effort to regain his fitness levels.

“I’ve been working really hard to be fit again, feeling food. Tonight, tennis-wise and fitness-wise, I'm feeling great, so hopefully I can keep going,” the 37-year-old said after his opening-round victory over Alexander Bublik.

The former World No. 3 further remarked that he is confident that his hard work will yield some favorable results during the season.

"I know I need to push myself, I know the process takes time, especially at my age. But I also know the way I'm playing, the way I'm practicing, the way I'm working hard, I will get some big results this year," Wawrinka added.

The 2015 Rotterdam champion, who is participating in the tournament with a protected ranking, now awaits the winner of Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals.