By Erik Gudris | Tuesday, November 25, 2014

In perhaps something of an ironic twist, Stan Wawrinka and his joint Davis Cup title victory for Switzerland ended with yet another private soon to become public tête-à-tête as the French would say behind closed doors. This time, in a bathroom with many of the French Davis Cup team.

Davis Cup: Wawrinka Earns Street Cred After Swiss Victory

French newspaper L'Equipe first reported that the exchange between Wawrinka and several members of the defeated French team came during an official dinner at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lille for both teams who competed in the final. But the initial spark may have ignited many months before the tie even got underway.

Throughout last week, Wawrinka made several jabbing comments about French players. After defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in singles, Wawrinka later said, "(It) was important to show them that they were a little bit maybe too focused on Roger. Me, I did my job, I showed them that I'm not No. 4 for nothing."

That Roger was, of course, Roger Federer who beat Richard Gasquet in straight sets to clinch Switzerland's first ever Davis Cup title 3-1. Wawrinka described Federer's win by saying, "You saw how well Roger was playing, how he just killed Richard today. It was an amazing feeling. I'm really happy for everybody here. I think we're all enjoying the time."

When asked about comments he made earlier in the week that the French were talking too much about Davis Cup, Wawrinka replied, "Everyone does the way they want to do. In the end we spoke with our racquet on the court. That is the explanation of the result. We were better during this weekend. We saw how fast things could turn around. In the beginning of the week many things were written about me and Roger, Roger's back. The French team said they were ready to go to war, if I can quote them. What happened was totally the opposite."

Whether Wawrinka was just being honest, or, as he jokingly admitted, drunk after a few celebratory sips of champagne, his comments apparently didn't sit well with the French.

During the official dinner later, Wawrinka reportedly had a conversation with France's Julien Benneteau in the bathroom. It was then several other French players and team staff, including Gasquet and Gael Monfils entered. The French, especially Gasquet, expressed distaste at Wawrinka over his various comments during the week. While L'Equipe described the conversation as cordial, Monfils, who is friends with Wawrinka, did step in to mediate. Wawrinka later apologized and everyone left on more or less good terms.

Yet, French Davis Cup Captain Arnaud Clement, not involved in the bathroom chat, took time later in the evening to congratulate Federer during the dinner on Federer's win and for his demeanor on court. Clement made no mention about Wawrinka's efforts during the week.

Wawrinka and his "le beef" with the French may have started earlier this year after he won the Australian Open. Especially after Tsonga made the comment that he wouldn't trade careers with Wawrinka even if the Swiss had a Grand Slam title and Tsonga did not. Tsonga also made similar remarks in Monte Carlo later this season and that all may have gotten under Wawrinka's skin.

This latest behind the scenes vocal dispute involving Wawrinka comes just a few weeks after the ATP World Tour Finals in London. That was when the now famous "Cry Baby" argument ensued between Wawrinka and Federer just after their semifinal when Wawrinka was unhappy with Federer's wife yelling at him during the match.

Federer and Wawrinka, of course, have moved on and made up, confirmed when Wawrinka during the post Davis Cup final press conference told Federer, "We all know how it's great to watch such an amazing player when he's playing good tennis.Yeah, Roger, I still love you (laughter)."

But don't expect the French to be sending any congratulatory flowers to Wawrinka any time soon.