Just before Novak Djokovic closed out a straight-sets victory against Botic van de Zandschulp, Stan Wawrinka finished the last Australian Open match of his career.
Wawrinka announced his retirement from tennis prior to the start of the 2026 season, revealing he would call it a day on his playing days at the end of this year’s campaign.
The Swiss, a former Australian Open champion, picked up two hard-fought victories at Melbourne Park, beating Laslo Djere and Arthur Gea in rounds one and two, respectively.
In the third round, however, Wawrinka was beaten by Taylor Fritz, with the American emerging victorious in four sets.
Following Djokovic‘s third-round triumph, the Serb had some kind words for the 40-year-old.
Novak Djokovic discusses Stan Wawrinka’s last match in Melbourne
In his post-match press conference, Djokovic said of Wawrinka: “Proud to call him a friend and a rival and someone that definitely has inspired me.
“I mean, no doubt with his longevity, with commitment to the game. He’s so passionate about it.
Who has been the best player at the Australian Open so far?
“Just seeing him battle it out almost over four hours last match he played, the second round, the way he turned it around, it’s a testament to his career and what, you know, he brought to the court.
“His legacy will definitely stay and live with many different younger generations that look up to him.
“He’s a great champion on and off the court. Very likeable guy. He did everything the right way, and he deserved every applause he had this tournament.
“I mean, that’s a question for him, but I think it’s been a great farewell Australian Open for him with the crowd support and everything that has happened on the court, the way he has played, and particularly that second-round match.
“Yeah, when he’s gone, tennis is going to lose a great player and a great person.”
Novak Djokovic’s record against Stan Wawrinka over the years
Djokovic and Wawrinka have played each other 27 times on the ATP Tour over the years, and the head-to-head is fairly one-sided.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion leads the rivalry 21-6, but Wawrinka has overcome Djokovic in some big matches.
You can bring one tennis legend out of retirement. Who do you pick and why?
En route to his first Grand Slam title at the 2014 Australian Open, Wawrinka beat Djokovic in a five-set thriller.
His next victory came in the 2015 Roland Garros final, where Wawrinka secured major number two by coming back from a set down to triumph 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Wawrinka claimed his third and final Grand Slam at the US Open in 2016, and, once again, defeated Djokovic in the final to achieve the feat.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
