How did he suddenly turn into this god-tier player while in his 30s? I mean, he was always talented, but I've never seen such a drastic improvement so late in a career. Would love to read an interview from him about what he thinks changed.
But that was before he actually won Slams. I think he had a slump after the first separation, and returned after 1 year. It was until Stan got with Norman in which he got this incredible mojo. He was with Ilham during his AO and MC (the latter she was even in the final there) runs and we really are not sure the reason of their second (and sadly it seems true) separation is.
Nothing, he could well turn up on the grass and lose early at Queens and Wimbledon, when he's on he looks unbeatable sometimes and then other times his base level isn't very good.
It isn't all that different from how Soderling started GOATing all of a sudden. The elements were always there, but he has managed to gain the mindset and the consistency to use his weapons over a longer duration of time.
Stocky, late twenties, short (tennis standard anyway) who doesn't even look like an athlete suddenly starts hitting the ball harder than anyone and never gets tired?
Tennis matches between the best players are decided by few points and mental toughness is what makes the difference in these tense moments. Hence why certain players even when playing their best still crumble against the top tiers despite having their chances to win. Wawrinka 2 years ago, if he would have reached the final, would have conceded a break in the second set after not managing to convert the break points he had.
I guess Norman instilled in him the needed confidence, because the shots where always there, but the mental toughness and stategic play wasn't.
He realized that he could be one of the hardest hitters on tour if he consistently cranked his shots rather than only occasionally doing so. Took a lot of the thinking out of his matches. Instead of deciding when to crank his shots, he realized... just always crank them
It's probably a variety of factors already mentioned here. But sometimes, all it takes is one match. I believe AO 2013 4R against Novak made Stan realize he could do so much more. He lost 12-10 in the decider, but left with a little taste of pushing the greats to their limits. Some quality coaching, renewed focus, and the rest is history.
Wawrinka always had the game. He does run but it's more about his brutal power from a defensive position than actual running.
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