Stan Wawrinka Bids Emotional Farewell After Epic Australian Open Battle

Stan Wawrinka’s storied journey at the Australian Open came to a poignant close on Saturday, as the Swiss veteran, aged 40 and ranked 139th in the world, bowed out in the third round after a valiant four-set battle against world No. 9 Taylor Fritz. The match, played under the closed roof of John Cain Arena in Melbourne due to extreme heat, ended 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in favor of the American, who advances to face Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the Round of 16.

For Wawrinka, this was more than just another defeat. It marked the end of an era—his final appearance as a player at the tournament where he first made his mark two decades ago and where, in 2014, he stunned the tennis world by defeating Rafael Nadal to claim his first Grand Slam title. The emotions were palpable from the outset, and as the final point was played, the crowd’s appreciation for the three-time major champion filled the arena.

The opening set gave little away, with both men holding serve and exchanging heavy forehands. The tension built to a tiebreak, where Fritz, showing composure beyond his years, edged out Wawrinka 7-5. The American, who reached the US Open final in 2024 and has become a fixture in the world’s top ten, was forced to dig deep against a player whose ranking belied his performance level.

Wawrinka, fueled by a crowd that had watched him grow from a promising newcomer to a Grand Slam hero, responded emphatically in the second set. He broke Fritz early, racing to a 3-0 lead and playing some of his best tennis of the match. Saving two break points to move ahead 5-2, Wawrinka closed out the set in just 33 minutes, reminding everyone of the champion who once stood atop the sport. "Cheers everybody!" Wawrinka exclaimed after the match, raising a beer alongside Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley in a gesture that perfectly captured the spirit of his farewell.

This third-round appearance was historic in its own right. Just two days prior, Wawrinka had become the first man aged 40 or older to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Ken Rosewall achieved the feat at the 1978 Australian Open. That milestone came after a dramatic five-set victory over 21-year-old French qualifier Arthur Gea, a match that marked Wawrinka’s record 49th five-setter at a major. "I’m not sure it’s the best statistic to have," he joked afterwards, "but I will take it." The physical toll of those battles was evident, and after the third set against Fritz, Wawrinka required a medical timeout, his body showing the wear of a career spent at the sport’s highest level.

Fritz, for his part, was clinical when it mattered most. The American, who fired 30 aces and committed just one double fault, found another gear in the third set. He broke Wawrinka in the seventh game with a powerful smash, then held his nerve to take the set 6-4. By the fourth, Fritz held a 3-1 lead, and though Wawrinka continued to fight, the younger man’s energy and precision proved decisive. "It’s a really, really tough match obviously, the environment as well," Fritz said of the occasion. "I can’t blame anyone in the crowd for cheering for Stan here. It’s amazing what he’s out here doing. I have so much respect for the passion and the drive that it takes to be doing what he’s doing this week."

As the final game played out, the atmosphere shifted from tense competition to celebration and farewell. Wawrinka, who had first appeared at Melbourne Park in 2006, received a hero’s send-off from the crowd and a tribute on the stadium’s big screen. Tournament director Craig Tiley joined him on court, and after the formalities, Wawrinka addressed the fans: "Normally we talk on court after a final. Today is not a final, so I won’t make it too long. Thank you for the wildcard invitation … to have one last chance to say goodbye to the people in Melbourne. It was my last time as a tennis player here, unfortunately. I had so many emotions here the last 20 years. I’m sad to leave, but it’s been an amazing journey." Then, with a smile, he added, "Now I can enjoy. If you don’t mind, I’d like to share a beer with Craig."

Wawrinka’s legacy extends far beyond the Australian Open. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has captured 16 ATP titles, including three Grand Slam singles crowns: the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016. He also won Olympic gold in doubles with Roger Federer at the 2008 Beijing Games, a testament to his versatility and enduring excellence.

His rise was all the more remarkable given the era he played in, dominated by the likes of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. Yet Wawrinka managed to carve out his own place in tennis history, reaching a career-high world No. 3 in 2014 and earning the admiration of peers and fans alike. On the same day as Wawrinka’s farewell, Novak Djokovic, who became the first player to win 400 Grand Slam singles matches, paid tribute to his longtime rival and friend. "Proud to call him a friend and a rival and someone that definitely has inspired me," Djokovic said. "No doubt with his longevity, with commitment to the game. He’s so passionate about it. He’s a great champion on and off the court. Very likable guy. He did everything the right way, and he deserved every applause he had this tournament."

Fritz’s victory sets up a compelling Round of 16 clash with Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, himself coming off a marathon five-set win over Tomas Machac. As the tournament moves forward, the torch is clearly being passed to a new generation, but the echoes of Wawrinka’s achievements will linger long in Melbourne and beyond.

So, as the Australian Open crowd saluted one of its adopted sons, Wawrinka raised his beer and took in the moment—an emotional, fitting farewell for a champion whose career has been defined by resilience, power, and a love for the game that never wavered. The story may be moving on, but Stan Wawrinka’s chapter in Melbourne is one that won’t soon be forgotten.