"Hopefully I can also reach to be seeded in Grand Slams" - Stan Wawrinka after his first-round win at Indian Wells Masters

Stan Wawrinka, ranked 100 in the ATP rankings, said it is a good feeling to be back in the top 100 and hopes to be seeded in Grand Slams in the future.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after beating Aleksandar Vukic 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open, also known as the Indian Wells Masters, Wawrinka hoped he could continue doing the good work to ultimately reach his goal.

The win was Wawrinka's first since he climbed back into the top 100 of the ATP rankings last week, after consecutive quarterfinal runs in Rotterdam and Marseille.

Wawrinka, who is playing in the tournament with a protected ranking, said he was happy to be winning and hoped he could go further into the tournament.

"I feel good. I am happy to be back in one of the best ATP tournaments. It is always special here, it is packed from day one. The atmosphere is great and I am happy with the win today. I hope I can win as many matches this year," he said.

The Swiss added that while being back in the top 100 is good, his goal is to be seeded in Grand Slams and ATP 1000 events.

"To be back in the top-100 is always an important number. Of course, I want to keep going up in the rankings. Hopefully, I can also reach to be seeded in Grand Slams and these (ATP Masters 1000) events. We'll see. Week after week, I think in general the level is there, so hopefully I can keep winning a lot of matches this year," Stan Wawrinka added.

Stan Wawrinka overcomes ear problem in first-round win

Stan Wawrinka had to overcome a persistent ear problem. (PC: Getty Images)

Stan Wawrinka not only had to overcome Aleksandar Vukic for his first-round win, he also had to beat a persistent ear issue.

The Swiss played three games before he took a medical timeout to receive treatment for an ear blockage.

The 37-year-old got timely attention and said that while it is not a big deal, it is also not easy to have hearing in only one ear and feel free on the court.

"I've just had some ear problems for a few days, like I can't hear from it, it's completely blocked. Although, it's not a big deal, it's just not easy to only have one ear and to feel completely free on the court," he said.

Stan Wawrinka will next face 26th seed Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia in the Round of 64. He is now 25-11 at Indian Wells, having lost to Roger Federer in his last two appearances - 2019 (Round of 32) and 2017 (final).