Two decades have passed since Stan Wawrinka first stepped onto the Australian Open stage as a main-draw competitor, and 12 years since he produced one of the most memorable moments of his career by defeating Rafael Nadal in Melbourne to claim his maiden Grand Slam title. Now, at 40 years old and approaching the final chapter of his professional journey, Wawrinka continues to defy time, proving that experience, resilience, and competitive spirit still have a place on the biggest stage in tennis.
Wawrinka himself openly acknowledges that he is no longer in the prime of his career. “I’m not young anymore,” he has said on multiple occasions. Yet his performance in the opening round of this year’s Australian Open showed that age alone cannot diminish the fighting qualities that once made him one of the most feared players in men’s tennis. After what he described as a “big battle,” the Swiss veteran overcame Serbia’s Laslo Djere in four hard-fought sets, extending his stay in Melbourne and adding another meaningful chapter to his farewell tour.
Entering the tournament as a wildcard, Wawrinka is playing the Australian Open with the understanding that his retirement is scheduled for the end of the 2026 season. Every match now carries added emotional weight, both for him and for fans who have followed his career for more than two decades. His first-round clash against Djere, ranked 92nd in the world, was a demanding test of both physical endurance and mental resolve.
The match lasted three hours and 20 minutes, a marathon encounter that showcased Wawrinka’s trademark grit. After losing the opening set 7-5, the Swiss could easily have faded, particularly given the physical demands of such a long contest at this stage of his career. Instead, he dug deep, adjusted his tactics, and gradually imposed himself on the match. His powerful backhand, still one of the most elegant and devastating shots in the game, played a key role as he turned the tide.
Wawrinka claimed the second set 6-3, finding better rhythm on serve and reducing his unforced errors. The third set followed a similar pattern, with the Swiss maintaining control during crucial moments to edge it 6-4. However, the fourth set brought fresh challenges. Djere broke serve and looked poised to force a deciding fifth set, applying pressure and testing Wawrinka’s movement and stamina.
Once again, the veteran responded. Drawing on his vast experience, Wawrinka steadied himself, broke back, and pushed the set into a tie-break. There, his composure proved decisive. He raised his level at exactly the right time, sealing the tie-break 7-4 to complete a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 victory. As the final point was won, the relief and satisfaction were evident, both in Wawrinka’s reaction and in the response of the crowd, who recognized the significance of the moment.
This win not only secured Wawrinka a place in the second round but also underlined his enduring competitiveness. At an age when most players have long since retired, he is still capable of winning demanding matches against younger opponents on one of the sport’s most physically punishing stages. It was a reminder of why he remains such a respected figure in the tennis world.
The broader context of the tournament made Wawrinka’s victory even more notable. The first half of day two at Melbourne Park was dominated by a string of injury retirements, casting a shadow over proceedings and highlighting the physical toll the sport takes on players. In contrast, the latter half of the day belonged to the veterans, who rolled back the years and delivered performances full of determination and resilience.
Joining Wawrinka in the second round was another seasoned campaigner, 37-year-old Marin Cilic. The former US Open champion produced a strong display to defeat Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, adding to the sense that experience was triumphing over youth as the day progressed. Cilic’s victory, alongside Wawrinka’s, offered a refreshing narrative amid the injury setbacks, showing that older players can still compete and succeed at the highest level.
For Wawrinka, the Australian Open holds a special place in his heart. It was in Melbourne that he achieved his breakthrough Grand Slam success in 2014, defeating Nadal in the final and announcing himself as a major champion. That victory paved the way for further triumphs at the French Open and US Open, cementing his legacy as one of the great competitors of his generation.
Now, as he navigates the final phase of his career, each appearance in Melbourne feels symbolic. His farewell tour is not just about results, but about savoring moments, competing with pride, and leaving the sport on his own terms. Matches like the one against Djere capture the essence of what has defined Wawrinka’s career: perseverance, power, and an unyielding belief in his ability to fight until the very end.
While expectations may be tempered given his age and the physical demands of the modern game, Wawrinka’s presence in the draw continues to inspire fans and fellow players alike. His ability to push himself through long matches, adapt his game, and maintain a competitive edge speaks volumes about his professionalism and love for tennis.
As the tournament progresses, attention will turn to how far Wawrinka can go and how his body responds to the rigors of consecutive matches. Regardless of the outcome, his first-round victory has already provided one of the most compelling storylines of the event, reminding everyone why he remains such a cherished figure in the sport.
With veterans making their mark and younger players learning tough lessons, the Australian Open once again showcases the full spectrum of tennis. For Wawrinka, every win adds to a legacy built on resilience and unforgettable moments, and his latest triumph in Melbourne ensures that his farewell journey continues, at least for one more round.
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