Italian Open: Always particular to play towards Novak Djokovic, says Stan Wawrinka

Stan Wawrinka stated that taking part in Novak Djokovic is at all times particular, however added that he might not fairly be able to face a participant of the world primary’s high quality following his return from long-term harm.

Stan Wawrinka relishes ‘particular’ problem towards Novak Djokovic in Rome (Reuters Photo)

HIGHLIGHTSWawrinka arrange a twenty sixth profession assembly with Djokovic within the last-16 of the Italian OpenDjokovic leads Wawrinka 19-6 of their rivalry with a 2-0 mark in Rome Always particular to play towards Djokovic, says Stan Wawrinka

Three-times main champion Stan Wawrinka is worked up to rekindle his iconic rivalry with Novak Djokovic on the purple clay of Rome. Notably, in all conferences, Djokovic leads Wawrinka 19-6 of their rivalry with a 2-0 mark in Rome, together with a three-set win in 2008 last.

The 37-year-old, who didn’t play for a whole yr after present process two surgical procedures for a foot harm, battled previous Laslo Dere 7-6(8), 3-6, 6-4 to arrange a twenty sixth profession assembly with Djokovic within the last-16 of the Italian Open on Thursday.

“It’s not the best prize, but it’s always special to play against him,” stated Wawrinka, who has received his final two matches towards the Serbian.

“I’m not where I want to be yet with my game, with my fitness level, with my mental (game). I need those matches, so to have a chance to play against the best player, it’s going to be really difficult for me, that’s for sure.”

Wawrinka’s victory over 14th seed Reilly Opelka in Rome earlier this week was his first in 15 months and the Swiss stated he had a protracted technique to go earlier than regaining full health.

“I’m not ready to compete, I think at that level, but it’s what I need. I need those challenges. I need to push myself as much as I can to keep improving.”

Djokovic, who defeated Aslan Karatsev in his opening match, is on the lookout for his sixth title on the clay in Rome and first this season.