Stan Wawrinka's quest for history came to a bittersweet end today as he faced off against Borna Coric in the final of the Aix-en-Provence Challenger tournament. The 40-year-old Swiss star, aiming to become the oldest champion in ATP Challenger Tour history, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, losing the match with a score of 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 6-7 (4-7).
Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, had a remarkable run leading up to the final, showcasing his resilience and competitive spirit. He had previously defeated Ugo Blanchet, Alexei Popyrin, Nishesh Basavareddy, and Borna Gojo, dropping only one set throughout the tournament, which came against the formidable Popyrin, ranked 26 in the world.
Despite the loss, Wawrinka's performance throughout the week demonstrated that he still possesses the skill and tenacity to compete at a high level, even at 40. His semifinal victory over Gojo, achieved with a score of 6-4, 6-4, was a testament to his enduring talent and experience.
In the final, Wawrinka faced Coric, who was also in excellent form, aiming for his fourth Challenger title of the season. The two players had met five times before, with Wawrinka holding a 4-1 advantage in their head-to-head record. However, Coric proved to be a tough opponent, pushing Wawrinka to the limit in a closely contested match.
The final showcased the skill and determination of both players, with Wawrinka exhibiting his signature powerful backhand and tactical play. However, Coric, who is 12 years younger than Wawrinka, managed to outlast him in crucial moments, particularly in the tiebreaks.
Wawrinka's journey in the tournament was remarkable, especially considering his struggles earlier in the 2025 season, where he had failed to advance past the third round in any event. His performance in Aix-en-Provence marked a significant turnaround, giving fans hope that he could reclaim some of his former glory.
With this defeat, Wawrinka missed the opportunity to lift a trophy for the first time since winning the Challenger tournament in Prague in August 2020. It was a poignant moment for the veteran, who has long been a fan favorite and an iconic figure in tennis.
As the match concluded, Coric celebrated his victory, which not only earned him the title but also a return to the top 100 of the ATP rankings. He will move back into the elite group on Monday, May 5, 2025, while Wawrinka is expected to rise to 132nd place.
Looking ahead, Wawrinka's schedule includes upcoming tournaments in Rome, scheduled for May 7, and the French Open on May 25. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Swiss maestro can build on his performance in Aix-en-Provence and continue to defy age and expectations.
In a sport that often sees younger players dominate, Wawrinka's pursuit of excellence at 40 is a remarkable story of perseverance and passion. His legacy as one of the greatest players in tennis history is firmly intact, and while he may not have achieved this particular milestone, his journey continues to inspire many.
As Wawrinka reflects on this tournament, he can take pride in his ability to still compete fiercely against younger opponents. The tennis world eagerly awaits his next move, hopeful that he can add another chapter to his illustrious career.
