Stan Wawrinka Celebrates Emotional Victory in Final Australian Open Appearance
Stan Wawrinka spread his arms wide after a grueling three-hour and twenty-minute battle. The packed KIA Arena showered him with applause and affection. This marked his last Australian Open appearance at age forty. He arrived in Melbourne Park with hope but little expectation.
A Much-Needed Win After Recent Struggles
Wawrinka desperately needed this victory. It served more as a soothing balm than a mere bonus. Last season brought him only five Tour-level wins. He failed to secure any Grand Slam victories. Earlier this month, he suffered four consecutive losses at the United Cup.
The crowd sensed his need for triumph. They lifted their 2014 champion at every opportunity. Buoyed by their unwavering support, the Swiss star rallied past Serbia's Laslo Djere. The final score read 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4). This win extended his stay in Melbourne and marked his first victory here in five long years.
Next Challenge and Tough Conditions
Next, Wawrinka faces the young French qualifier Arthur Gea. Gea impressively knocked out the Czech seventeenth seed Jiri Lehecka. The match unfolded on a warm Melbourne day. Courtside temperatures soared above thirty-one degrees Celsius.
These extreme conditions tested every player's reserves. Even younger, in-form competitors struggled. Seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime battled cramps before retiring against Portugal's Nuno Borges. He trailed 6-3, 4-6, 4-6 when he stopped play.
Wawrinka's Heartfelt Gratitude and Reflections
Wawrinka played his twentieth Australian Open and seventy-fifth major tournament start. He quickly thanked the enthusiastic crowd. "The only reason I come back is because of the love you give me. It was amazing today," an emotional Wawrinka stated. "This is my last year. The passion remains intact. I am not young anymore, so I must be careful. I am so happy I won and have a chance to play one more match here. I try to enjoy it, but I'm also a competitor. I will always fight, and I hope to play another good match."
The veteran displayed glimpses of his celebrated power play during the match. He hit thirty-three winners. His brutal single-handed backhand, a majestic sight at full flight, earned him the nickname 'Stanimal.' In his peak years, he consistently raised his level against top opponents. He overpowered them with raw force and sheer fearlessness.
Honest Self-Assessment and Strategic Adjustments
"I wish it would feel the same, the same power and everything," he admitted with a smile. "I don't try to feel the same as ten years ago. I've always been honest with myself. I know where I am, what my ability is, what I can do, and what I can still achieve. I know how I can still play. I try to use that on court every match."
"I know I'm not as good as I was before. I know I'm not as strong physically or tennis-wise as before. That's normal. I'm getting old. But I'm still happy with what I'm doing. I always try to push my own limits. I always strive to be better."
Now ranked 139th in the world, Wawrinka entered the tournament on a wildcard. He delivered a strong serving performance. He won eighteen of his twenty-one service games. "Serving in general has been quite good, especially when I find my rhythm. I've been working more on my serve to get more free points. I'm happy it helps me in matches like today," he explained.
Planning for Retirement and Future Matches
Wawrinka decided to conclude his career in the winter of 2025. "I wanted to keep going. I'm still happy playing," he shared. "At the end of last year, it became quite clear that next year should be my last. It was not a hard decision at all. I'm super happy with this choice. I didn't want to not know when I would stop, to suddenly get injured or lose my level of play."
Fans will enjoy at least one more dance from Stan Wawrinka at Melbourne Park. His journey continues with the next match, fueled by passion and crowd support.
