Stan Wawrinka on Wednesday made a change of course in his long foot injury comeback, pulling out of next week’s home event in Gstaad to concentrate his efforts on the US Open.
The three-time Grand Slam champion made the call after going out in the first round of the Bastad tournament and apparently cutting his losses.
The 37-year-old has struggled since returning to the Tour in April after more than a year out hurt.
The No. 290 Swiss appears to feel he needs more fitness and rehab work.
“I feel better day in and day out too, but as much as I’m happy with my progress, I know I’m still not at the level I want to be at,” he said.
I’m going to keep investing in myself to get back to my pre-injury level. My next stop will be the North American tour.”
Wawrinka last played alpine Gstaad in 2013, the last of his 10 appearances which included the 2005 final.
His possible presence at some of the pre-Open events in North America next month remains unclear.