Stan Wawrinka is seemingly keen to prove that his Australian Open run was no fluke, having swiftly translated that form into his next tournament.
And now, he will face his toughest test yet in Montpellier, with Felix Auger-Aliassime as his next opponent.
The 40-year-old showcased great grit to battle past Hamad Medjedovic in straight sets, but must now bypass a player who remains in the top ten despite his struggles in Melbourne just last month.
Speaking ahead of their clash, Stan Wawrinka has offered his assessment of the Canadian’s game, whilst also reinforcing his delight at his continued high level.
Stan Wawrinka previews match vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Chatting after his win over Medjedovic, he began by admitting: “It’s a pleasure to be here, to face the players who belong to this new generation, although it’s never easy the first time you face a player, especially in the case of Hamad, a really good rival.
“I am happy with the level I have shown on the court. I remember coming here last year and losing in the first round, so I am happy to have had this new opportunity and to have done better.”
Why do you think Stan Wawrinka was never considered to be on the same level as Andy Murray?
Focusing on the match in particular, having beaten the Serbian 7-6, 6-4, Wawrinka added: “Of course, I keep having fun, when you win it’s even more fun.
“I love what I do, I’ve been dedicating myself to this for the last 20 years, it’s still incredible for me to go out there and compete, it’s a real pleasure to still be here at this point. I’m going to try to finish the season with the maximum possible victories.”
The three-time major champion concluded by looking ahead to Auger-Aliassime: “He is a great player, a super dangerous rival; it is curious that we have never faced each other in the past.
“Here we saw him become champion in 2025, so I hope he jumps on the court with a lot of confidence. It will be a great challenge for me, I will try to find all the solutions in the match, give everything until the end, and we will see what happens.”
Stan Wawrinka’s Australian Open run
Ever since Wawrinka announced he’d be retiring from tennis at the end of this year, every tournament he has appeared at has been billed as part of his farewell tour.
The Australian Open last month was no different.
Having been gifted a wildcard at what seemed like the last minute, he more than justified his inclusion by filling the seats of whatever court he was put in.
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And, he certainly put on a show for those that turned out to watch him, coming from a set down to beat Laslo Djere, before overcoming Arthur Gea in a five-set epic, decided by a match tiebreak.
His run was ended by Taylor Fritz, but Wawrinka still stole a set from the ninth seed.
It marked a fine finish to his career at the Australian Open, the site of his first Grand Slam triumph.
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