Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka has etched his name into the history books at the 2026 Australian Open, becoming the first man aged 40 or older to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament in nearly half a century.
A Gruelling Five-Set Epic
The 40-year-old, three-time major champion was pushed to his absolute limits in a marathon encounter against 21-year-old French qualifier Arthur Gea. The match, which lasted a staggering 4 hours and 33 minutes, stands as the longest contest of this year's tournament at Melbourne Park.
Wawrinka ultimately prevailed in a dramatic five-set thriller, with the final score reading 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (3). The veteran's experience proved crucial in the decisive moments, as his younger opponent struggled with debilitating cramps during the tense fifth-set tiebreaker.
A Historic Feat for the Ages
At 40 years and 310 days old, Wawrinka has achieved a feat not seen since the legendary Australian Ken Rosewall accomplished it 48 years ago at the 1978 Australian Open, when he was 44. This remarkable milestone underscores Wawrinka's enduring quality and competitive spirit at the highest level of the sport.
The 2014 Australian Open champion had previously announced that this season would be his last on the ATP Tour, making this historic run in Melbourne all the more poignant. "As I told you, it's my last Australian Open, so I'm trying to last as long as possible," Wawrinka remarked in an emotional on-court interview.
Drawing Energy from the Crowd
When asked how he felt after the exhausting battle, the Swiss star simply stated, "Exhausted!" He was quick to credit the Melbourne crowd for their support, adding, "Not only I had fun but you gave me so much energy. I'm not young any more so I need the extra."
In a moment of light relief, Wawrinka revealed his unique recovery plan for the next round. Recalling a spectator who had dropped a beer earlier in the match, he quipped, "I'll pick up a beer. I deserve one!"
This historic victory not only extends Wawrinka's farewell tour but also serves as a powerful testament to longevity and resilience in professional tennis, inspiring athletes and fans alike with his unwavering determination.
