Wawrinka out of Rotterdam

Stan Wawrinka has announced he will skip next week’s ATP 500 event in Rotterdam due to an ongoing knee injury.

The injury, which reared its head during the Australian Open and required a medical timeout during his semifinal loss to Roger Federer, has prevented the Swiss star from competing since.

“Stan called me this afternoon to share the bad news,” Rotterdam tournament director Richard Krajicek said.

“Test results today showed that he is not able to play matches as a result of his knee. The medical advice came as a complete and unpleasant surprise – not just for us, but for him as well.”

Wawrinka revealed the injury had been bothering him since the beginning of his Grand Slam campaign at Melbourne Park.

“Then again, it’s not an excuse at all. I always try to fight on the court, to find a solution,” he said after falling to Federer.

“I go on the court with what I have of the day. I give everything. What exactly I have, I have to check. Really I have to do some bigger test when I get home.”

The Rotterdam event still boasts an impressive line-up; Rafael Nadal, Grigor Dimitrov, Dominic Thiem, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Tomas Berdych and Marin Cilic are all expected to compete.