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Stan Wawrinka: can defending US Open champion bounce back?

By Harry Floyd

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland plays a forehand during the Gentlemen's Singles first round match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day one of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 3, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland plays a forehand during the Gentlemen's Singles first round match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia on day one of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 3, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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Stan Wawrinka saw a shocking early upset at Wimbledon 2017. Now, the defending US Open champion must look ahead to the next Grand Slam.

Stan Wawrinka is the defending US Open champion. After an early exit from Wimbledon this year, he must look ahead to defending his title.

In the past three years, the Swiss tennis star has won three major tournaments. Wimbledon remains the only Grand Slam that he needs to complete the set.

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Somewhat fittingly, Wawrinka won a title in Geneva this year. It’s his sole ATP singles title so far in 2017.

Having numerous successful runs throughout the year, Wawrinka rose to the world No. 3 position in men’s singles tennis. His opening round Wimbledon loss to Daniil Medvedev of Russia came as a shock to everyone. Many thought that 2017 would be the year for Wawrinka to win the title.

With the US Open quickly approaching, Stan Wawrinka can rebound from his Wimbledon loss and defend his title.

In 2016, the Swiss tennis star defeated Novak Djokovic to earn his first ever US Open title.

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The end of 2016 saw Wawrinka threatening the ranks of the Big Four. Soon after, early 2017 brought back both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as though no time had passed. The two tennis greats appeared at the top of their game.

Wawrinka needs to have a deep run at the 2017 US Open if he intends to remain in the conversation as one of the best in men’s singles tennis.

With less than two months to go before the US Open, time is of the essence for the Swiss tennis player.

It can be understood that his loss at Wimbledon was a fluke, but now he comes into the next Grand Slam as the defending champion. There is a different pressure that comes with being the current champion at any tournament.

While Stan Wawrinka is also attempting to close in on the world No. 1 ranking sometime soon, another Grand Slam win could solidify his place in men’s singles tennis. Stay tuned to see how he fares at the 2017 US Open.

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