Wawrinka Enjoys Sofia Sights

Stan Wawrinka took time out on Wednesday to stop at the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in the centre of Sofia.

The Neo-Byzantine style cathedral is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, holding 10,000 people and is one of the capital’s primary tourist attractions.

Top seeded Wawrinka starts his DIEMA XTRA Sofia Open campaign on Thursday night against qualifier Martin Klizan, in what will be his first match since his second-round Australian Open loss to Tennys Sandgren.

“I feel much better since Australia,” said Wawrinka. “The first day I came home I started practising really hard, especially fitness wise, trying to get my knee better.”

The three-time Grand Slam champion emphasised the need for more match play in order to get back to his best level. “I know I am not yet at my top level because it takes more time, I need matches and tournaments and that is the reason why I am here because right now… for me, it is really good to be here.”

Wawrinka spoke to home favourite Grigor Dimitrov about the event and looks forward to his debut in front of a large crowd at the Arena Armeec Sofia. “I talked with Grigor when he played last year. It was a great tournament. He played at home so the atmosphere was amazing, the centre court is really big so there are a lot of people. I heard some good things and I am happy to see it by myself and to be here playing this tournament.”