Culinary field’s loss seems to be tennis’ gain. Swiss tennis star Stanislas Wawrinka, who loves to spend his free time in the kitchen, says he would have become a cook had he not picked up a racquet when he was 11 years old.
In fact, Stan, the Beijing Olympics doubles gold medallist and a former top-10 star, has already decided his post-tennis profession – running a restaurant.
The defending Chennai Open champion, who is seeded three this year, opens up in an interview to this newspaper.
Earliest sporting memory: I played my first competitive tournament in Switzerland when I was 11.
Sports played while growing up: Only tennis.
What would you have done without tennis? I would have been a cook. I would love to open a restaurant one day.
Most memorable moments: In sports, gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games with Roger Federer. The birth of my daughter was memorable outside tennis.
Worst sporting moment: 2008 Roland Garros defeat against Fernando Gonzalez.
Sporting heroes: NBA star Kobe Bryant.
Favourite venue: Wimbledon with closed roof (I was the first one to play a match under the roof — against Andy Murray).
Sporting event you would pay the most to see: The Fifa World Cup final.
Questions most asked by the public: Plenty of questions about Roger.
Sporting motto: The match isn’t over until the last point is played.
Who would you most like to invite to dinner – and why? Obama; it would be interesting to interact with him.
The best tennis match you ever saw: The 2009 Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal.
The person you learnt most from: My daughter, she shows me new things every day.
Favourite holiday spot: Home or Mauritius.
Other interests in your life: Cooking, movies and ice hockey.
One piece of advice to youngsters: You need to be patient.
Biggest extravaganza: My apartment.
What do you never leave home without? My phone.
One bad habit you wish you could get rid of: Breaking too many racquets, but sometimes it helps (he smiles).
Favourite actor: Denzel Washington.
Favourite actress: Charlize Theron.
What’s the one thing that frightens you most? I’m not frightened, but as a father of a two-year-old girl, you always want to protect her and make sure she’s healthy and happy.