French Davis Cup Team Cornered Wawrinka After Disrespectful Comments

Stan causing trouble again

The French Davis Cup team reportedly cornered Stan Wawrinka in a bathroom for a ‘discussion’ after some of Wawrinka’s comments during the Davis Cup final were felt to be disrespectful.

The incident was brought to widespread attention when Marc Rosset, a former Swiss player, posted some Tweets expressing surprise that, essentially, the French could dish it out but not take it. The Tweets have since been deleted and his account has been closed.

Matters apparently came to a head at the official dinner at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lille. L’Equipe reports that Wawrinka was having a quiet conversation with Julien Benneteau in the bathroom, as one does, when the rest of the French team entered and – led by Gasquet – criticized Wawrinka for his comments over the weekend.

Gael Monfils, who is good friends with Wawrinka, apparently intervened to calm things down and Wawrinka ultimately apologized, concluding a discussion described by Benneteau as ‘open and frank’.

L’Equipe also notes that while French captain Arnaud Clement praised Federer for ‘class on the court and in the media’, he did not mention Wawrinka in the same context.

Wawrinka’s critical attitude towards the French team, it is suggested, is rooted in comments made by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after Wawrinka won the Australian Open, implying that Wawrinka’s win was something of a fluke.

‘He has something I don't, certainly. I'd like to have been in his place at that moment,’ Tsonga said during Monte Carlo in April (translation via Mark Nixon). ‘Now, if we had to exchange careers ... hmm ... not sure. It was only the first time he made the semis at a Slam. Me, I've played 6-7 semis. It should have been me, but that's just the way it is. If he got it, it's because he deserved it.’

‘I see what’s happening and I read things,’ Wawrinka said in response, admitting that Tsonga’s comments had bothered him (translation via Mark Nixon). ‘He said he deserved to win a Slam … What I think is that it’s not a question of deserving. You have to do it.

http://www.livetennis.com/category/livetennis-news/french-davis-cup-team-confronted-stan-wawrinka-after-disrespectful-comments-during-davis-cup-final-20141125-0000/

Doesn't it just highlight the mental fragility with these French players!

Jeez. Play hard or go home!

^ Ha ha! Do you think the French team are cry babies?

Not so much cry babies, but if I was being called under question by an opponent I would say that would further light a rocket under my rear to go out and beat the guy on court!

What was handbags at dawn really going to solve for the French? Tsonga had his say, then Stan had his. Let them battle it out on court.

Credit to Stan. Talk about psyching out your opponent

To be honest, Tsonga has a point. I mean, he has made a handful of semi finals, has wins over Federer and Nadal in slams. If you asked me, I'd say he's overall the better player... problem is you're not gonna win a slam thinking that "the big four are just too good".

^ At the risk of making people cry I would say big three

hawkeye wrote:^ At the risk of making people cry I would say big three

I'm stunned that you would say three rather than two!

So...

The French team respond to Wawrinka's claim that they can dish it out but can't take it by getting annoyed and having a heated confrontation with him in a bathroom.

Thereby proving they can dish it out but can't take it.

HM Murdoch wrote:

hawkeye wrote:^ At the risk of making people cry I would say big three

I'm stunned that you would say three rather than two!

Progress is being made!

And this is hilarious. I'm waiting for Stan to escalate things with a horse head next.

Silver wrote:

HM Murdoch wrote:

hawkeye wrote:^ At the risk of making people cry I would say big three

I'm stunned that you would say three rather than two!

Progress is being made!

And this is hilarious. I'm waiting for Stan to escalate things with a horse head next.

Not so fast The GOAT debate has now been put up there as a sticky and I would limit that to FEDAL This article is about another of Wawrinka's fisticuffs. Although considering how frequent they are becoming it's perhaps only a matter of time before Stans fisticuffs are granted their own sticky

hawkeye wrote:

Silver wrote:

HM Murdoch wrote:

hawkeye wrote:^ At the risk of making people cry I would say big three

I'm stunned that you would say three rather than two!

Progress is being made!

And this is hilarious. I'm waiting for Stan to escalate things with a horse head next.

Not so fast The GOAT debate has now been put up there as a sticky and I would limit that to FEDAL This article is about another of Wawrinka's fisticuffs. Although considering how frequent they are becoming it's perhaps only a matter of time before Stans fisticuffs are granted their own sticky

Personally I would limit it to Fedpras.

hawkeye wrote:^ At the risk of making people cry I would say big three

Its interesting why making this distinction is important to you. I think everyone can agree that the other three have greater career achievements than Murray but presumably you can also agree that his achievements over the last 6 years (2 slams, 5 other finals, 9 masters) dwarf every other current player?

July 2012 - August 2013: The Murray Era

legendkillarV2 wrote:

Personally I would limit it to Fedpras.

I'll meet you up there in that sticky

Born Slippy wrote:

hawkeye wrote:^ At the risk of making people cry I would say big three

Its interesting why making this distinction is important to you. I think everyone can agree that the other three have greater career achievements than Murray but presumably you can also agree that his achievements over the last 6 years (2 slams, 5 other finals, 9 masters) dwarf every other current player?

Yes Murray has done well but not well enough to be in the same group as the big three and more specifically to represent the sort of slam block in kingraffs comment (quoted below) that I was responding to. Especially considering Stan has won the last 2 slam meetings with Murray

kingraf wrote:To be honest, Tsonga has a point. I mean, he has made a handful of semi finals, has wins over Federer and Nadal in slams. If you asked me, I'd say he's overall the better player... problem is you're not gonna win a slam thinking that "the big four are just too good".

Can we get back to talking about Stan's fisticuffs?

Tsonga's comments are fine, so are Warwinka's. Just honest truth from both, no suger coating whatsoever and maybe very slightly ill advised from a PR standpoint.

Yes, Tsonga has had the better career, but Warwinka is a better player than he is. Warwinka's level this year has never been matched by Tsonga. Of course, the thing is, Warwinka has only had this level for one year, two maybe.

Talking a lot about semi finals but Tsonga has what 2 masters vs 1 masters and a slam?

This is a minor story. Mirkagate was more interesting, as was the final of the Davis Cup itself. Move on.

I do think it was worth posting the article though.

hawkeye wrote:‘I see what’s happening and I read things,’ Wawrinka said in response, admitting that Tsonga’s comments had bothered him (translation via Mark Nixon). ‘He said he deserved to win a Slam … What I think is that it’s not a question of deserving. You have to do it.

And Wawrinka did it in style.

Tsonga's demons are his to fight with. He can come over to v2 from some therapy, if he wants.

Silver wrote:July 2012 - August 2013: The Murray Era

I think you'll find that February 2013 - June 2013 was very much part of the Nadal era. socal might have something to say about what happened between July 2012 and February 2013 too

Sorry for straying from topic again...

LF surely Tsonga will need therapy after he visits v2?

laverfan wrote:

hawkeye wrote:‘I see what’s happening and I read things,’ Wawrinka said in response, admitting that Tsonga’s comments had bothered him (translation via Mark Nixon). ‘He said he deserved to win a Slam … What I think is that it’s not a question of deserving. You have to do it.

And Wawrinka did it in style.

Tsonga's demons are his to fight with. He can come over to v2 from some therapy, if he wants.

I'd be fine with Tsonga joining us as long as he doesn't bring that big bully Wawrinka

hawkeye wrote:

Born Slippy wrote:

hawkeye wrote:^ At the risk of making people cry I would say big three

Its interesting why making this distinction is important to you. I think everyone can agree that the other three have greater career achievements than Murray but presumably you can also agree that his achievements over the last 6 years (2 slams, 5 other finals, 9 masters) dwarf every other current player?

Yes Murray has done well but not well enough to be in the same group as the big three and more specifically to represent the sort of slam block in kingraffs comment (quoted below) that I was responding to. Especially considering Stan has won the last 2 slam meetings with Murray

kingraf wrote:To be honest, Tsonga has a point. I mean, he has made a handful of semi finals, has wins over Federer and Nadal in slams. If you asked me, I'd say he's overall the better player... problem is you're not gonna win a slam thinking that "the big four are just too good".

Can we get back to talking about Stan's fisticuffs?

Stan's beaten Novak and Nadal in slams recently as well. Anyway, KR was referring to Tsonga. Since the first defeat to Stan in 2010 Murray has lost three times in slams to non big 4 players (even despite his back issues) so it seems he's a pretty big barrier for the likes of Tsonga.

As for the article, seems like a storm in a teacup. Stan seems to like to speak his mind and it seems a fair comment in the circumstances.

So Stan argues with Federer about his wife and a week later is 'coincidentally' accosted by a gang of top professionals to sort him out.

And you think this has something to do with the Davis Cup?

People just don't understand the grip Roger has on this sport.

^ What are you insinuating bogbrush? That the French Davis cup team accosted Stan in the bathroom in order to defend Federer's wife?

bogbrush wrote:So Stan argues with Federer about his wife and a week later is 'coincidentally' accosted by a gang of top professionals to sort him out.

And you think this has something to do with the Davis Cup?

People just don't understand the grip Roger has on this sport.

Methinks there's more than a grain of truth in what you say bb.

It was commonly known that only a fool would mess with Frank Sinatra. He always had a lot of 'people' ready to do his bidding.

Stan - you're a great guy, and we all love ya.

But ......a word of advice : Don't walk down any quiet streets alone after dark

Born Slippy wrote:

Stan's beaten Novak and Nadal in slams recently as well. Anyway, KR was referring to Tsonga. Since the first defeat to Stan in 2010 Murray has lost three times in slams to non big 4 players (even despite his back issues) so it seems he's a pretty big barrier for the likes of Tsonga.

As for the article, seems like a storm in a teacup. Stan seems to like to speak his mind and it seems a fair comment in the circumstances.

If you want to debate that Murray represents the same barrier in slams as the big three then perhaps it should be in another article?

Yes Stan beat Novak but in his asterisked win over Nadal at the AO (that also involved back issues) he also got his knickers in a twist. Maybe John McEnroe should have been on bathroom watch after that match

lags72 wrote:

But ......a word of advice : Don't walk down any quiet streets alone after dark

or walk the dark corridors of the O2... or even visit the bathroom

coolpixel wrote:LF surely Tsonga will need therapy after he visits v2?

v2 also offers post-therapy PTSD therapy.

bogbrush wrote:So Stan argues with Federer about his wife and a week later is 'coincidentally' accosted by a gang of top professionals to sort him out.

And you think this has something to do with the Davis Cup?

People just don't understand the grip Roger has on this sport.

Led by that well known tough guy Gasquet. I bet he was really scared . If the French, other than Monfils (the peacemaker), had shown a bit more of this fighting spirit on court then it might have been a closer final.

Never mind Stan you cant do anything right at the moment..they are always having a dig at Rafa with his "fake" humility.. you are ready to to speak your mind  and not be a "cry baby"  ????

H-n, your resourcefulness and determination to introduce Nadal to virtually every thread, irrespective of subject matter, deserves special recognition. I guess absence makes the heart grow fonder !

I have a hunch that if we began a discussion on club players aged under-10 from Devon & Cornwall, you would somehow find a way to give Rafa a mention

Yes, HN deserves an award for best looking Nadal fan, so eager to inject us with Nadal hormones.

HE seems to have moved to a unseen level of imagination and role play, which she does superbly.

Keep it up ladies

Wawrinka would demolish Gasquet... No wonder he made sure he came with back up.

Who's the one player on tour you wouldn't want to mess with? I'd say Berdych but would put Stan a close second.

lags72 wrote:H-n, your resourcefulness and determination to introduce Nadal to virtually every thread, irrespective of subject matter, deserves special recognition. I guess absence makes the heart grow fonder !

I have a hunch that if we began a discussion on club players aged under-10 from Devon & Cornwall, you would somehow find a way to give Rafa a mention

oh so very droll.. lags.. tell me what thread since Rafa's absence have I been the one to introduce his name in fact I think when we have been discussing things lately I have been the one to ask why comparisons are being made with Nadal.. so back up your accusation if you dont mind. I was illustrating the double standards on 606 when Rafa's humility has been the subject of criticism and now Stan his being criticized for speaking his mind
Im actually batting for Watrwrinka he seems to be the object of criticism since the Fedrinka gate affair.

And since you mention it I lived in Devon for 28yrs and still know  some of the kids of friends of mine there I most probaby would have

Berdych? A light breeze would be enough to blow that lanky streak of pi$$ over!

I would say the one guy on tour I wouldn't want to mess with would be Youzhny. Anyone that takes a racquet to his own head deserves a pass.

legendkillarV2 wrote:Berdych? A light breeze would be enough to blow that lanky streak of pi$$ over!

I would say the one guy on tour I wouldn't want to mess with would be Youzhny. Anyone that takes a racquet to his own head deserves a pass.

I agree having been in the military I would think he knows a thing or two..How about Dr ivo..?? lets face it your feet wouldn't touch the ground

Haddie-nuff wrote:

legendkillarV2 wrote:Berdych? A light breeze would be enough to blow that lanky streak of pi$$ over!

I would say the one guy on tour I wouldn't want to mess with would be Youzhny. Anyone that takes a racquet to his own head deserves a pass.

I agree having been in the military I would think he knows a thing or two..How about  Dr ivo..?? lets face it your feet wouldn't touch the ground

Ivo? Well Goran set the bar high for temperamental for his country men. None have since come close!

Kei would give us some Bruce Lee quick can not see punches.

I don't know, Berdych looks a softie. Del Potro looks a little badass, but if I ever got into a fight with him, I'd flick his wrists so quick...

Youzhny does seem to possess the prerequisite amount of crazy to make for a guy you don't want to accidentally bump in a club

Actually Youzhny probably would be my number 1, now that I think about it. I think Berdych is an imposing bloke although his bark is probably worse than his bite.

kingraf wrote:I don't know, Berdych looks a softie. Del Potro looks a little badass, but if I ever got into a fight with him, I'd flick his wrists so quick...

Youzhny does seem to possess the prerequisite amount of crazy to make for a guy you don't want to accidentally bump in a club

Ive always thought of Delpo as a gentle giant.. I think he might be too much of a Mum's boy to be too aggressive...but who knows when needs must and all that !!!

Monfils has the eyes of a madman.

Youzhny is definitely the guy you wouldn't want to cross but I reckon Troicki has some crazy in him too.

The Special Juan wrote:Monfils has the eyes of a madman.  

Thats probably because he is a madman

HM Murdoch wrote:Youzhny is definitely the guy you wouldn't want to cross but I reckon Troicki has some crazy in him too.

I used to think that before his ban....then I realised you need a brain to have some crazy in you

Hey, Haddie, I had no idea you had such strong Devonian links. I actually referenced Devon & Cornwall at random, so that really is some coincidence ! But undoubtedly a nice part of the world, which I get to visit at least a couple of times a year.

And as if that's not enough, rest assured that - just like you - I too am 'batting' for Stan. As I said in my last post, he is a great guy, which is exactly why I wouldn't want anything untoward to happen to him - whether at the hands of those pesky French guys, or indeed anyone else.

Stan has had a tremendous season, and fully deserves all the rewards & praise that have come his way after so many years of a dedicated, workmanlike, no-nonsense approach to the game. I was lucky enough to be in Melbourne back in January to witness first-hand his tremendously exciting run at the AO, and to see him take his first Slam in some style. And I have already booked my flights to travel out there again in just a few weeks time for the 2015 Championship when he will defend his hard-earned title. Come on Stan

hawkeye wrote:

Silver wrote:

HM Murdoch wrote:

hawkeye wrote:^ At the risk of making people cry I would say big three

I'm stunned that you would say three rather than two!

Progress is being made!

And this is hilarious. I'm waiting for Stan to escalate things with a horse head next.

Not so fast The GOAT debate has now been put up there as a sticky and I would limit that to FEDAL This article is about another of Wawrinka's fisticuffs. Although considering how frequent they are becoming it's perhaps only a matter of time before Stans fisticuffs are granted their own sticky

Its one man show so far, so its not even a debate.

lags72 wrote:Hey, Haddie, I had no idea you had such strong Devonian links. I actually referenced Devon & Cornwall at random, so that really is some coincidence ! But undoubtedly a nice part of the world, which I get to visit at least a couple of times a year.

And as if that's not enough, rest assured that - just like you - I too am 'batting' for Stan. As I said in my last post, he is a great guy, which is exactly why I wouldn't want anything untoward to happen to him - whether at the hands of those pesky French guys, or indeed anyone else.

Stan has had a tremendous season, and fully deserves all the rewards & praise that have come his way after so many years of a dedicated, workmanlike, no-nonsense approach to the game. I was lucky enough to be in Melbourne back in January to witness first-hand his tremendously exciting run at the AO, and to see him take his first Slam in some style. And I have already booked my flights to travel out there again in just a few weeks time for the 2015 Championship when he will defend his hard-earned title. Come on Stan

Yes I lived and worked in North Devon for all those years and it is truly God's country.  I still have many friends there and if ever the need arose I would return to that part (and that part only ) of the UK albeit I was not born there.

 Like you I have a lot of respect for Stan he has a backbone that goes along with the style of tennis he plays.. good for him that he was prepared to stand up for what he believes in.. the French are not beyond upsetting a few people when they have a mind.  
Have a good time at the AO... I HOPE THAT RAFA WILL BE PLAYING  ...... Vamos Rafa....(now you can say it !!!)

Thanks H-n.

I'm sure Rafa will be there. I have clear memories of struggling for a 'viewing spot' to watch him (and, later the same day, Murray and Djokovic too) practice for around 45 mins or so, on an outside court in temperatures touching 42c during the first week. It was hot enough just watching, and must have been truly draining to practice (and of course play) with their sort of drills & intensity.

Now look what you've done ! You've got ME talking about Rafa - and on Stan's thread .........

Anyway, back to CL football......