Wawrinka relishes 'special' challenge against Djokovic in Rome

Wawrinka relishes 'special' challenge against Djokovic in Rome

(Reuters) - Three-times major champion Stan Wawrinka said that playing Novak Djokovic is always special but added that he may not quite be ready to face a player of the world number one s quality following his return from long-term injury.

The 37-year-old, who did not play for an entire year after undergoing two surgeries for a foot injury, battled past Laslo Dere 7-6(8) 3-6 6-4 to set up a 26th career meeting with Djokovic in the last-16 of the Italian Open on Thursday.

"It s not the best prize, but it s always special to play against him," said Wawrinka, who has won his last two matches against the Serbian.

"I m not where I want to be yet with my game, with my fitness level, with my mental (game). I need those matches, so to have a chance to play against the best player, it s going to be really difficult for me, that s for sure."

Wawrinka s victory over 14th seed Reilly Opelka in Rome earlier this week was his first in 15 months and the Swiss said he had a long way to go before regaining full fitness. 

"I m not ready to compete I think at that level, but it s what I need. I need those challenges. I need to push myself as much as I can to keep improving."

Djokovic, who defeated Aslan Karatsev in his opening match, is looking for his sixth title on the clay in Rome and first this season.