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After his exploits at last year’s French Open where he emerged with the trophy, you might think there is pressure on Stan Wawrinka. But he does not think so.

The Swiss comes to Rome in less than convincing form having only made the last eight in Monte Carlo and being knocked out early in Madrid by Nick Kyrgios. But he is refusing to get downbeat as he looks to win in Rome for the first time.

Wawrinka has made one final in 2011 (he lost to Novak Djokovic) before losing to countryman Roger Federer at the semi-final stage last year.

“For sure losing first round in Madrid doesn’t give me a lot of matches and a lot of points,” he said. I’m here. I have been practicing well. I think my level is good. So hopefully I can start well and do something big.

“But, you know, not having matches for Paris or not even getting ready for that, for me it’s more about playing well every week I play. That’s the most important for myself. As long as I’m practicing well and doing the right thing, I know it’s going to come.

“Last year I was struggling with my game before here. I was starting only here to practice a little bit better, to find some level. I wasn’t playing great tennis. I start little by little to play better and better in Rome, Geneva, and then in Paris.

“This year I’m just feeling really good in practice. I think I’m playing well. That’s why I know that if I keep pushing myself the rest will come sooner or later. I don’t know when, but I know that my level is there.

“For sure there is extra attention. That’s for sure after doing what I did last year winning there. Way more people and things to do and to talk about French Open.

“Honestly the pressure, no. There is not more pressure and not less pressure. Every year I go to French Open, I put a lot of pressure on myself because I want to play well there. I love this tournament. So this year is going to be the same of the pressure-wise. Going to be really hard like every year, but that’s it.”