Stan Wawrinka is into the third spherical of the Australian Open for the primary time since 2020.
The 40-year-old Swiss edged out French qualifier Arthur Gea 4–6, 6–3, 3–6, 7–5, 7–6(3) in a four-hour, 33-minute match, changing into the oldest man to succeed in the third spherical in Melbourne since Ken Rosewall, who did so at age 44 in 1978.
Wawrinka, the previous world No. 3, who gained the primary of his three Grand Slam titles on the Australian Open in 2014, is about to retire on the finish of the 2026 season.
His one-handed backhand was, as ever, a factor of magnificence.
Wawrinka completed with 63 winners and 11 aces, committing 69 unforced errors in a match outlined by aggressive shot-making from each gamers.
When requested how he felt after the match, Wawrinka stated: “Exhausted.”
Credit score: AP
“As I instructed you, it’s my final Australian Open, so I’m making an attempt to final so long as doable,” he stated.
“I’m not younger anymore, so I want your power,” he stated to the gang. “It’s a tremendous feeling to be on this courtroom and have a lot superb assist.”
Subsequent up for Wawrinka is world No. 9 American Taylor Fritz. The Swiss leads their head-to-head 2–1.
One factor is definite: Wawrinka will once more deliver considered one of tennis’s most stunning one-handed backhands onto the Melbourne stage.
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