Stan Wawrinka, 39, addresses those who argue that he ought to retire.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka says not everything needs to be about results as the former world No. 3 highlights he still feels competitive and has passion for the game.

Wawrinka, who turned 39 in March, has 16 titles in his collection. For many years he was among the best players in the game and a legitimate Grand Slam contender.

But the last several years haven’t been easy for Wawrinka, who hasn’t won a title on the main level since 2017 and he is also now ranked at No. 87 in the world.

Some fans began to wonder and ask why the Swiss player was still active as it became clear that Wawrinka was past his prime and no longer the player he once was.

Wawrinka, who is just 2-7 on the main stage this year, did not let the remarks or opinions that he ought to give up deter him. Instead, he continued.

As he enjoys his work, Wawrinka claimed in an interview with Express-Sport that playing helps him “keep mentally feeling young”.

“I’ve been touring for 20 years, so naturally, people will ask me that question when I turn 39 and reach the age of 80 worldwide. I don’t mind at all,” Wawrinka continued.

It’s just how I want to respond to it and demonstrate that I still want to be there. Ultimately, it’s up to me to choose my course for the tennis career.

Even though I’m enthusiastic about what I do and like it, I still feel competitive to play well and win matches, so I want to keep continuing because it’s a chance to play at that level.”

Wawrinka stressed that some things have deeper meaning than results.

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