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Stan Wawrinka withdraws from Abu Dhabi, playing shape in doubt

By Harry Floyd

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland reacts 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 reacts 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Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic have withdrawn from the 2018 Mubadala WTC. The Swiss tennis star is not ready to compete just yet.

Stan Wawrinka has withdrawn from the 2018 Mubadala WTC. He and Milos Raonic were set to be featured among the top players at this year’s exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

Now, all eyes are on both Wawrinka and Raonic to see if they will be ready to compete at the upcoming Australian Open. Wawrinka is one of only four players to win the Grand Slam title in the last decade. The others are Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal.

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Djokovic and Nadal are still set to play in Abu Dhabi. The Spanish superstar is the current world No. 1 in men’s singles tennis. Djokovic is returning from injury and looking to find some momentum before beginning his 2018 ATP World Tour.

Stan Wawrinka says he’s ‘not ready to compete’ at his top level.

The Swiss great is a three-time Grand Slam singles champion. His efforts remain focused on a return to competitive playing shape by the 2018 Australian Open. He is the 2014 champion in men’s singles at the major tournament in Melbourne Park.

As for play in Abu Dhabi, Nadal is the defending champion at the exhibition. He is a four-time winner at the tournament while Djokovic is also a three-time champion. Nadal cut his time at the ATP Finals in London short after an opening match loss to David Goffin. If he is fresh and ready to go next week, Nadal will be the heavy favorite at the tournament.

Next: Top 10: Men's Singles Tennis

Stan Wawrinka must decide whether or not he will be ready for action at the Australian Open. With the major tournament less than one month away, time is of the essence. Wawrinka has largely been considered to be on par with Andy Murray when it comes to referencing the ‘Big Four’ in men’s singles tennis. Both players have three Grand Slam titles to their names. Murray, who remains in search of an Australian Open title, is also returning from injury as he begins his 2018 ATP World Tour. Stay tuned to see how action in Abu Dhabi unfolds and check back to see if Wawrinka and others will be ready for play at the 2018 Australian Open next month.

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