Tennis legend Stan Wawrinka has already been extremely busy at the start of his final season on the ATP Tour.
Veteran Wawrinka is playing his farewell season at the age of 40, with United Cup success on his agenda right now.
The ATP icon is representing Switzerland in Australia, where Wawrinka has been rolling back the years for his nation.
Wawrinka defeated Arthur Rinderknech 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(5) in his opening match, helping Switzerland breeze past France.
He then lost to Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, but even then he pushed the youngster all the way in their 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-7(4) clash.
Switzerland still won the tie overall, with Wawrinka’s teammate Belinda Bencic starring to send the side into the United Cup quarterfinals.
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Rafael Nadal finished his final season with a 12-8 record
Wawrinka can hold his head very high thanks to his efforts so far, which prove he isn’t simply winding down at this stage of his career.
And that is certainly reminiscent of a certain Rafael Nadal, who fought until the very end, which for the Spaniard was in 2024.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion retired towards the end of that year, calling time on his glittering career at the Davis Cup.
He made 20 singles appearances in his final season, claiming 12 wins, having also posted a 4-2 doubles record.
Nadal even made it all the way to the singles final in Bastad, but fell at the very last hurdle to Portuguese player Nuno Borges.
Stan Wawrinka deserves Australian Open wildcard
Wawrinka still has a long way to go to emulate Nadal’s final season, but he has certainly started in the right fashion.
Rather than letting his teammates do the work in Australia, the legendary figure is rolling up his sleeves and proving to the next generation that he’s still a really tough player to beat on the court.
Notably, both Rinderknech and Cobolli will be seeded at the Australian Open, which the Swiss star will be eager to play as well.
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For now, Wawrinka doesn’t have an Australian Open wildcard, but it is becoming increasingly clear that he deserves one.
It’s a simple decision for the tournament organisers, who have already handed one to his fellow legend Venus Williams.
Home favorite Nick Kyrgios could get an Australian Open wildcard too, but Wawrinka may just be a higher priority.
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