Wawrinka Withdraws From Basel

Stan Wawrinka‘s homecoming is over before it began.The three-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the Swiss Indoors Basel today.Watch: Djokovic Shows Big Love For StepanekIt’s the second straight year Wawrinka will miss Basel, which hasn’t exactly been a home haven for the talented Swiss. Wawrinka has suffered eight opening-round exits in Basel. His best result were a pair of semifinal finishes in 2006 and 2011 whene he fell to Olympic doubles partner Roger Federer.The 33-year-old Swiss lost in three sets to Borna Coric in his last match at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. The 68th-ranked Wawrinka, who underwent a pair of knee surgeries last fall, withdrew from Indian Wells, Miami and Madrid earlier this year due to left knee injury.Photo credit: Markus Peter/empepress.ch/Swiss Indoors Basel Facebook]]>

Chris Oddo is a freelance sportswriter, podcaster, blogger and social media marker who is a lead contributor to Tennisnow.com. He also writes for USOpen.org, Rolandgarros.com, BNPParibasOpen.com, TennisTV.com, WTAtennis.com and the official US Open program.