Wawrinka isn't dreaming

Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka has talked down his chances of holding on to his crown on the eve of the start of the first Grand Slam of the year.

Many hoped that the monopoly of the 'Big Four' in Grand Slam Tennis had been broken when the Swiss swept aside Rafael Nadal in four sets in the final last year.

But even with a Davis Cup win under his belt, the player dubbed 'Stan the Man' was knocked out of the French Open at the first hurdle, though he reached the last eight at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Wawrinka has opened 2015 with a win in Chennai, but that hasn't elevated his expectations of defending his crown against the leading pack of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Nadal and Andy Murray.

"I'm not focused on that," said Wawrinka, who faces Marsel Illhan of Turkey in the first round.

"I feel great coming here. I've been getting a lot of confidence, winning the first tournament of the year. I know I can do it (win the Open), that's not the question. But it's a long way for that.

"For me, most important is to be ready for the first match. I know how it is. I've been playing so many years to know the deal. You have to be ready, take match after match, and see where you can go."

Wawrinka could face a potential semi-final bout with Serb Novak Djokovic, the world number one, should he advance through the other stages at Melbourne Park.

Meanwhile, Argentine Juan Martin del Potro has been forced to withdraw from the tournament with a persistent wrist problem.

The past few years have been plagued by injury for the 26-year-old, who had surgery on his left wrist last year.

"Nothing new, nothing dangerous," said the Argentine, who had a career high ranking of fourth in 2010. "But I think my wrist is not ready for playing in this important tournament."

rd/tj (AFP, Reuters)