Stan Wawrinka's Australian Open Heroics Captivate Fans
At the age of 40, Stan Wawrinka continues to defy expectations, captivating tennis fans and earning widespread admiration as he battles through the first week of the Australian Open. The Swiss tennis legend, who is set to retire at the end of the season, has reached the third round with a series of gripping performances, reminding everyone why he is considered one of the sport's greats.
A Five-Set Thriller in the Second Round
Wawrinka's journey at Melbourne Park has been nothing short of extraordinary. After being granted a wildcard into the main draw, he has delivered on the promise, treating spectators to a tense five-set win over French qualifier Arthur Gea. The match, which lasted seven hours and 53 minutes, showcased Wawrinka's resilience and competitive spirit, qualities that have defined his illustrious career.
Wawrinka's Thoughts on the Moment
Following his 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10/3) victory, Wawrinka reflected on the emotional significance of his final Australian Open. "I never compare the past," he said. "That's really never a good idea to do it. For me, I'm always trying to stay in the present, living with what's happening in the present."
"Of course, after a tough year like last year, knowing that this is my last Australian Open, my last year, it's really special. The emotion is really completely different. It's a feeling that's tough to describe. But it's the reason why at 40 I'm still pushing myself, pushing the limit, practising hard in the off-season. It's to live those moments," added the 2014 champion.
Taylor Fritz's Tribute to Wawrinka
As Wawrinka prepares for his third-round clash against American ninth seed Taylor Fritz, the younger player has expressed nothing but admiration for his more experienced counterpart. When asked whether he would be playing professional tennis at the same age as Wawrinka, Fritz provided an honest answer: "No, not at all."
Fritz's Respect for Wawrinka
"I can barely imagine playing in, like, four years from now," Fritz admitted. However, the American also revealed that he looked up to Wawrinka when he was younger. Ahead of their match, Fritz paid tribute to the Swiss star, highlighting his impressive fitness and competitive nature. "It's so impressive the level and just the physicality he's still bringing," Fritz said. "The obvious thing is fitness, but then the other thing is just, I'd say, being a really good competitor. People that compete really well tend to win out over the longer matches. It speaks to how great a competitor he is."
Veterans Shining at the Australian Open
Wawrinka is not the only veteran making headlines at the tournament. At 38, Novak Djokovic remains in the hunt for a record 11th Australian Open title, while 2018 runner-up Marin Cilic, who is a year younger than the Serb, has also reached the third round. Wawrinka, ever the appreciative sportsman, acknowledged the performances of his peers. "I think it's great," he said. "I saw Cilic winning. It's good to see him back. He got some injury last year, too. It's good to see him at the right level."
"Novak is in a different league, anyway. We never compare ourselves to him. He's always there. He's always going to be there as long as he's playing. It's always amazing the way he can push everybody," added Wawrinka.
The Legacy of Stan Wawrinka
As Wawrinka continues his campaign at the Australian Open, his legacy in the sport is already secure. A three-time major winner with titles at the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open, Wawrinka has consistently proven that he can rise to the occasion when it matters most. His ability to compete at a high level well into his 40s is a testament to his dedication and love for the game.
Final Match-Ahead of Retirement
With this being his final Australian Open, Wawrinka is savouring every moment. For fans, witnessing his journey is a reminder of the passion and perseverance that define not just Wawrinka, but the sport of tennis itself. As he takes on Fritz in the round of 32, all eyes will be on Melbourne Park to see if the Swiss legend can continue his remarkable run. Regardless of the outcome, Wawrinka's performance at the Australian Open is already etched into the tournament's history as a truly memorable chapter.