Stan’s invite would go to Obama
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.
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