Stan Wawrinka is off to a strong start in his last-ever run at the Australian Open.
Wawrinka announced his retirement ahead of the 2026 season, bringing an end to an incredibly successful career in professional tennis.
The Swiss defeated Laslo Djere in his opening match at Melbourne Park, coming back from a set down against the Serb to win 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6.
At 40 years and 296 days old, Wawrinka is now the second-oldest player to win a men’s singles match at the Australian Open.
Despite being in the twilight of his career, the three-time major champion is continuing to add to his game.
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Stan Wawrinka reacts to his serving performance in Melbourne
Wawrinka tallied 14 aces against Djere, and recorded an 86% win percentage on his first serve, as well as 67% on his second serve.
In his post-match press conference he said: “Serving in general been quite good, especially when I find my good rhythm.
“In two matches, end of last year, plus the off-season, I’ve been working again more on my serve, especially to get more free points, to serve better. I’m happy it helped me in matches like today.”
Though he enjoyed a strong serving performance, Wawrinka struggled to get over the line on break points, converting just three of the 18 he created.
“I had many opportunities to break,” said the 2014 Australian Open champion. “Also last few matches was the same.
“That’s when I start sometimes to think a little bit more about the outcome of the point and not enough about what exactly to do with my game. That’s when I start to think a little bit.
“I’m starting to be a little bit late or a bit passive, and I let the other opponent playing much more aggressive than me.
“At the end for me was great to get through a match like that, even with many opportunities to stay with him, to break back in the fourth, and to win with the tiebreak.”
Stan Wawrinka says he is confident in his fitness
Wawrinka continued: “I’ve been working really hard to stay in shape, to push myself.
“I think also the week in United Cup helped me a lot because I played over three hours match back to back, plus a lot of tennis on the court, high level. It got me a lot of confidence into what I’m able to do.
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“But at the end I’m still 40 years old and you never know what [will] happen. But you don’t have to think too much in advance, too much into how long is going to be the match or is it going to be five sets or no.
“No, you have to do the best with what you can in the moment. Today was great.”
Wawrinka will play Frenchman Arthur Gea in the next round at the Australian Open.
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