Stan Wawrinka is aiming to reach the top of the Emirates ATP Rankings in 2017 and fittingly kicked off his season by reaching peak heights on the Gold Coast. The World No. 4, competing in the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp, traveled in style via helicopter to the top of the iconic Q1 Resort Building at Surfers Paradise, located 270 metres above sea level. Wawrinka showed off his racquet skills from the Skypoint Climb, Australia’s highest external building climb, while taking in breathtaking views of the world-famous Gold Coast. “I’m really happy to be here in Brisbane. I’ve heard so many good things about this tournament from the other players on the tour that I had to come and see...
Juan Martin del Potro is withdrawing from the ASB Classic (Auckland, New Zealand) and the Australian Open due to fitness concerns. The 6’6” Tandil native was sidelined first in 2010 (right wrist) and then 2014 (left wrist) and needed entire seasons to recuperate. His most recent comeback came in February at the Delray Beach Open, where he reached the semi-finals, falling to Sam Querrey. He would go on to compete in 11 other tour-level events, including a title run in Stockholm (d. Jack Sock). He also reached the US Open quarter-finals (l. to Stan Wawrinka). “It was a very special year for me," said del Potro in November about his 2016 season. "I didn’t expect the results that I had."...
As he prepares for the 2017 season, Roger Federer said on Friday that he's feeling rejuvenated and is eager to come back to tour-level competition after missing half of the 2016 season. Federer, speaking with reporters on a conference call, said he's played “very well” in practice matches with fellow ATP World Tour pros Lucas Pouille of France, Borna Coric of Croatia and Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Federer also said he doesn't regret sitting out six months of the season. The Swiss legend last played in July at the Wimbledon semi-finals (l. to Raonic). “I do believe it could be very beneficial for the future of my tennis career that I've had this six-month layoff,” Federer said. “I feel rejuvenated, refreshed. Maybe mentally I needed this...