Roger Federer: Stan Wawrinka opens up on shock Laver Cup snub
STAN WAWRINKA has revealed an unacceptable offer from Laver Cup organisers was behind his decision to reject playing in the Roger Federer-led event.
On Wednesday, Wawrinka took to Instagram to inform fans that he will not be playing in the 2019 edition in Geneva.
The competition sees players compete for Team Europe and Team World to win a trophy in honour of Australian legend Rod Laver.
And with the event being held in Switzerland, it was expected that Wawrinka would accept a ‘captain’s pick’ and play alongside Federer.
But the 34-year-old will instead play at the St. Petersburg Open in Russia instead.
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Wawrinka’s absence is a blow to Federer’s hopes of assembling a top class field with Dominic Thiem, Fabio Fognini, Karen Khachanov and Daniil Medvedev also set to play in St. Petersburg.
Speaking after beating Guido Pella at the Madrid Open, Wawrinka was asked about the discussions which took place about the Laver Cup.
And the three-time Grand Slam champion told Swiss publication Le Matin that he was left with little choice.
“There were discussions last year, with Roger first and then our respective managers,” he said.
“The last ones took place in Australia. They made me proposals that did not suit me.
“They then told me it was their last offer.
“From there, it was pretty clear in my mind that I would not play it. It's a choice.”
When asked if he wanted to play, he replied: “Yes. It's in Geneva.
“I wanted to, Roger wanted me to play it.
“Unfortunately it did not happen. And since then I have been in St. Petersburg for the past few days, my decision is now public.”
Wawrinka is in action this afternoon against Kei Nishikori in the Madrid Open third round.