Stan Wawrinka’s last-ever Australian Open campaign came to an end in the third round after losing to Taylor Fritz in four sets.
Wawrinka, who will retire after this season, was beaten by Fritz in four sets, 7-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in front of a rapturous crowd on John Cain Arena.
The Swiss, aged 40, had booked his place in round three after two hard-fought victories over Laslo Djere and Arthur Gea.
He was bidding to achieve his best Grand Slam finish since 2020, but it was not to be for Wawrinka, who received a touching tribute after the match.
Following the defeat, the three-time major champion was asked which tournaments he plans to play next in his farewell season.
Stan Wawrinka discusses his upcoming schedule on the tour
In his post-match press conference, he said: “I supposed to play, got wildcard for Montpellier, Rotterdam in Europe, and probably Dubai as well.
“I’m super happy and grateful for the opportunity to play those tournaments.
Who has been the best player at the Australian Open so far?
“For sure going to rest a bit the body. I need to see also how it’s gonna be the next few days, because of course I’m not as fresh as I would like to, but yeah, I’m looking forward for the next tournaments.”
The Open Occitanie, held in Montpellier, will take place after the Australian Open from the second of February till the eighth.
The Rotterdam Open then kicks off on the ninth of February and runs until the 15th, while the Dubai Tennis Championships start on the 23rd and finish on the 28th.
Stan Wawrinka says he was not surprised at his level in Melbourne
When asked if he was surprised at his own level at the Australian Open, Wawrinka responded: “No, because I know I was practicing how much I push myself to try to get that level.
“I think United Cup was perfect start, because it gave me a lot of time on the court against top players. Even if I won only one match, I had the chance to play five and spend a lot of time.
“This is exactly what I was missing last year, is when you lose first round and you need to wait one week or two before the next one, and then you quickly don’t get the confidence in yourself to get the level you want.
“This for me was a great two weeks, three weeks now, between here and United Cup. The level was great.
“I can see that I’m competitive, that I’m feeling good on the court, that I can win some good matches, play against the top players. It’s exactly what I’m looking for.
“Doesn’t change my goal for the year. It’s always going to be to push my limit. It’s not because I play well those three weeks that I’m going to win a lot of matches the next few months, but at least I know where is my level and what I can still do, and I’m happy with that.”
Wawrinka’s Australian Open conqueror, Fritz, will face fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti next at Melbourne Park.
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