Stan Wawrinka Extends Fairytale Australian Open Farewell with Marathon Victory
In a display of sheer determination and veteran skill, Stan Wawrinka has prolonged his remarkable final Australian Open campaign with a gruelling five-set triumph. The 40-year-old Swiss wildcard, who has announced his retirement at the season's end, secured a dramatic 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10-3) victory over French qualifier Arthur Gea. This epic encounter lasted four hours and 33 minutes, marking the longest match of the tournament thus far.
A Record-Breaking Performance Defying Time
Wawrinka's latest achievement cements his status as one of tennis's most enduring competitors. By winning this match, he becomes the second-oldest man to claim a victory at the Australian Open since the tournament relocated to Melbourne Park. This follows his earlier three-hour, 19-minute battle against Laslo Djere on Monday. Furthermore, Wawrinka has now surpassed his compatriot Roger Federer for the most five-set matches in Grand Slam tournaments during the Open era, with this being his 49th such contest.
Notably, Wawrinka is the oldest man to reach the third round of the Australian Open since the legendary Ken Rosewall in 1978, who was 43 at the time. This milestone underscores the Swiss star's incredible longevity and competitive spirit in a sport often dominated by younger athletes.
High Drama on Kia Arena
The match unfolded as a true spectacle of resilience and drama. After finding himself two sets to one down, Wawrinka forced a decisive fifth set with a signature one-handed backhand winner down the line, electrifying the crowd at Kia Arena. The final set was a rollercoaster, with both players creating multiple break opportunities. Gea, the 21-year-old making his Australian Open debut, faced challenges including medical timeouts and a broken shoe, adding to the match's intensity.
The tension peaked in the fifth-set tiebreak as Gea began to suffer from cramps. Wawrinka seized control by winning a demanding 21-shot rally, then delivered a miraculous lob from behind the baseline to finally break his opponent's resistance. This moment of brilliance sealed his place in the next round, much to the delight of the enthusiastic spectators.
Context of a Storied Career
Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion and former Australian Open winner, entered this tournament as a wildcard, with his world ranking at 139th. His journey through this event highlights not only his enduring talent but also the emotional weight of his impending retirement. Each match represents a step closer to the end of an illustrious career that has inspired fans worldwide.
As he continues to defy expectations, Wawrinka's performance serves as a testament to the power of experience and passion in professional sports. His ability to compete at the highest level, against younger opponents, while setting new records, makes this Australian Open run a historic and memorable chapter in tennis history.
