Wawrinka to play through pain in Australia

Cape Town - Stan Wawrinka wants to return at next month’s Australian Open - even if he hasn’t completely recovered from injury.

Wawrinka spent the majority of last season struggling with a problem behind his left knee, which eventually required him to undergo surgery.

The three-time Grand Slam winner is back in full training, yet is not sure whether he will be 100 per cent in time for the start of next season. However, Wawrinka is still keen to participate in the Australian Open regardless.

"It's been since a year - the Swiss Indoors in Basel - that I suffered knee issues," Wawrinka said.

"The only regret is that I didn't stop before the grass-court season, which worsened the situation.

"At the moment my priority is to recover well from my two surgeries. I work hard physically six days out of seven, but from the tennis point of view I'm a little bit behind.

"The goal is to play Australian Open, even if I am not 100 per cent healthy."

While he was on the treatment table, Wawrinka’s coach, Magnus Norman, decided to retire, with the Swiss player yet to decide on a replacement.

"It was a big disappointment. In some of the worst moments of your career, you expect to be able to count on your dear ones,” added Wawrinka.

"The timing of the announcement surprised me. A [new coach] will be needed for the long-term, for the next three-four years. I have some names in the list and [Paul] Annacone could be a solution after we worked in the grass season."