"A comeback takes time for sure, it was a big surgery, it takes months and months"
Monday 12 February 2018 14:21, UK
Stan Wawrinka admits he has not hit his "top level" as he continues to recover from major knee surgery at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.
Wawrinka underwent knee surgery in July and was forced to miss the last six months of 2017 as he began his long road to recovery.
The 32-year-old reached the second round of the Australian Open, and then returned to battle in Sofia last week where he reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion, qualifier Mirza Basic.
He is pleased with his progress and plans to continue his European tour by taking part in three events in succession this month.
Wawrinka could face Swiss compatriot Roger Federer in Rotterdam later this week should both players progress to the quarter-finals and could deny the 20-time Grand Slam winner the world No 1 spot with victory.
But Wawrinka is taking things slow and steady and is not thinking too far ahead, saying: "A comeback takes time for sure, it was a big surgery, it takes months and months.
"So far I'm happy, I'm doing everything well, practising, playing matches, practising again.
"I'm not at my top level, I need time for that. But I'm happy to be here, I'm playing three weeks in a row for the first time in six months. I want to be ready for this event.
"You always want to be better and better, but there is no need to rush. The most important thing for me is the next few years, not the next few weeks.
"I don't compare myself with amazing players like Roger - it's most important for me to do the right thing for my career."
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