Legends never die and Stan Wawrinka proved it this Thursday in Melbourne. Opposed to the French Arthur Gea, 19 years his junior, in the second round of the Australian Open, the Swiss veteran produced an exceptional performance by wringing out his young opponent in five fierce sets and 4h33 of combat (4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 [3]).
Launched in the final season of his career at the age of 40, “Stan the Man” lived up to his nickname by physically resisting the attacks of a Gea who was undefeated in 2026 and author of a great feat in the first round against Jiri Lehecka. Moreover, it was the Habs, ranked 198th at the start of the Australian Major, who gave in to wear and tear, crippled with cramps and no longer able to properly defend their chances in the super tie-break.
In the footsteps of Rosewall
Overmotivated and pushed like never before by the Melbourne public, Wawrinka offered himself one of the last thrills of an immense career which he will end at the end of the season, once again delighting the spectators with his eternal one-handed backhand, still decisive to complete the fourth round.
Twelve years after his title on Australian soil, the native of Lausanne became the oldest player to complete two Grand Slam rounds in 47 years, following in the footsteps of Ken Rosewall, who reached the round of 16 of the Australian Open in 1978.
A major feat for a player who only won four small matches on the ATP circuit last year. Before thinking about his 3rd round against Taylor Fritz, who is much tougher, Wawrinka plans to treat himself to a little moment of relaxation in Melbourne. Asked about how he was going to manage his recovery in the coming hours, the Swiss did not fail to be humorous: “I have no idea, but at the start of the match, a spectator dropped a beer so I think I will have one, I deserve it”.
