Wawrinka, 40, Sets Grand Slam Record by Reaching Australia’s Third Round

Stan Wawrinka, at 40 years old, has made Grand Slam history by reaching the third round of the Australian Open. In a remarkable match, he overcame 21-year-old qualifier Arthur Gea in a fifth-set tiebreaker after a grueling four hours and 33 minutes. Wawrinka’s victory marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first man over 40 to advance this far in a Grand Slam since Ken Rosewall in 1978.

Historic Grand Slam Achievement

Wawrinka triumphed with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (3). The match showcased not only his skill but also his resilience, particularly in the final tiebreaker, where Gea struggled with cramps. Wawrinka expressed his satisfaction post-match, humorously announcing his intention to celebrate with a beer. “I deserve one!” he stated during his on-court interview.

End of an Era

This year marks Wawrinka’s final season on the elite tour. He acknowledged feeling exhausted yet grateful for the support from the audience. “It’s my last Australian Open, so I’m trying to last as long as possible,” he shared. The crowd reinforced his determination, with signs and cheers resonating through KIA Arena.

Match Highlights

• Wawrinka has the most five-set matches in men’s Open era history, with a record of 26-23.
• Gea experienced cramps during crucial moments, affecting his performance in the tiebreaker.
• Both players had opportunities to finish the match earlier, each converting only four breakpoint chances.
• The match was officially the longest of the tournament.

Next Challenge

Wawrinka’s next opponent will be ninth-seeded Taylor Fritz, the 2024 U.S. Open runner-up. Fritz expressed admiration for Wawrinka, recognizing him as a formidable competitor. “I looked up to Stan for a long time,” he remarked, noting the impressive level of play Wawrinka continues to bring at his age.

As the tournament progresses, Wawrinka’s historical achievement at the Australian Open continues to inspire both fans and players alike. His journey exemplifies endurance and passion for the sport, making this year’s competition one to remember.