Injured Wawrinka out of Indian Wells, Miami

After weeks of struggling, Stan Wawrinka has conceded that his body simply isn’t right.

The Swiss announced his withdrawal from the US spring hardcourt events at Indian Wells and Miami due to an ongoing knee issue.

Wawrinka, a three-time major champion, underwent knee surgery in August 2017 and returned to tennis at Australian Open 2018 after a six-month break from competitive tennis.

His comeback has been underwhelming; he fell in the second round at Melbourne Park to Tennys Sandgren was obviously hampered in a desultory first-round loss in Rotterdam to Dutch wildcard Tallon Griekspoor.

Last week, he was forced to retire in the second set of his first-round match in Marseille to Ilya Ivashka.

Finally, Wawrinka admitted that he needed to listen to his body.

“Coming back from a big surgery is complicated and, after having played a few tournaments, I have discussed with my team that it is best for me to build on the progress and go back to practice,” he said.

“I need to be patient and give my body the time it needs, but as of now my goal is to come back on clay. I love that part of the season and hope to be ready by then.

“I’ve enjoyed being back on tour playing matches and this gives me even more motivation to go back on the practice court. My goal is to find my highest level again and in order to do that I will keep working hard every single day.”

Superstars preparing for return to action

The news is better for some of Wawrinka’s biggest rivals.

Andy Murray, who has not played since Wimbledon and required hip surgery in January, looks set to make a comeback during the grasscourt season at Queen’s – and possibly even earlier.

According to a report by Stuart Fraser in The Times, “the 30-year-old has stepped up his rehabilitation in the gym and through regular Pilates sessions. With no setbacks so far, he plans to return to the practice court before the end of this month.”

Glad I got something really productive done today. ??

A post shared by Andy Murray (@andymurray) on Mar 1, 2018 at 10:49am PST

And Novak Djokovic appears on track for a possible return at Indian Wells.

Tennis reporter Carole Bouchard tweeted that the 12-time major champion was in Las Vegas practising with coach Andre Agassi. “His plan is to play Indian Wells. Has one last medical check up early next week. For now, sounds good,” she wrote.

The Serb has not played since a fourth-round loss to Hyeon Chung at the Australian Open.

Making the most of every situation and space ?????????? #stretching #travel pic.twitter.com/cGVYdwGYXH

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 1, 2018

What about Serena Williams?

Speculation has been building that the American superstar will return to Indian Wells in her first tournament – a recent Fed Cup dead doubles rubber notwithstanding – since becoming a mother in September 2017.

The tournament’s twitter account used an image of Williams in their promotion material, while her husband Alexis adorned highway billboards en route to the event with pictures celebrating her as the “Greatest Momma Of All Time” to support her in her comeback.

Serena clearly approved.

I'm so fortunate to have @alexisohanian and @olympiaohanian by my side for my comeback. I love my surprise so much from them. I feel so special. Love you both.

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Feb 28, 2018 at 6:15am PST