If you notice Stan Wawrinka looking a bit more calm/cool/collected these days, it’s for good reason. Along with World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, the Swiss star is one of only two players who have reached the quarter-finals or better at all four Grand Slams in 2015, and therefore he has already booked a spot among the elite eight in London for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Just knowing that he won’t have to battle for those extra Emirates ATP Race To London points has provided Wawrinka with a comforting sense of calm.

“Two years ago when I qualified, it was really a race until the last tournament,” said the 30 year old baseliner, who comes into the October 5-11 Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships with a 43-13 mark on the season. “I remember there were a few players who had a chance to qualify. Until Paris, I wasn’t sure I’d be there. So it was quite stressful. Last year and this year, it’s been a little different with winning a Grand Slam. I already qualified since the US Open, so I don’t have that pressure. It’s better, for sure. I can really focus on my game and what I’m doing.”

Shedding that stress should bode well for Wawrinka, who will encounter a tricky opponent in the opening round. The two-time Slam champ is set to face veteran Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic, against whom he’s 1-4.

“Radek is a tough match. I’ve lost many times against him,” said Wawrinka, who’s appearing in Tokyo for the fourth time. “He’s an aggressive player, using some serve and volley. He doesn’t give you too much rhythm. So I’ll have to be ready, I’ll have to relax.”