Stan Wawrinka is ready for his Rome relaunch.
The three-time Grand Slam champion has been practicing with Gael Monfils, Jack Sock and Kei Nishikori this week in preparation for the Rome Masters next week.
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The 33-year-old Swiss has not played a match since returning from his Marseille opener in February. Wawrinka took time off to strengthen his surgically-repaired knee.
The 2008 Rome runner-up has been training with former coach Magnus Norman. The pair conducted a two-week training block and Norman has accompanied Wawrinka to Rome.
Wawrinka said he opted to skip this week's Mutua Madrid Masters for precautionary reasons as he continues to work on his fitness following a pair of knee surgeries last season.
"I gave up Madrid next week for sheer precaution," Wawrinka told the Swiss media in comments published by La Tribune de Genève. "I lost 10 days of training due to a calf injury. Now I'm on a two-week training block with the help of Magnus Norman. My goal remains to return to my best level. I think I can do it in the long run. I train 100 percent. The knee is holding. I am convinced to see the (light at the) end of the tunnel."
Photo credit: Stan Wawrinka