Stan Wawrinka’s emotional message to fans after losing to Taylor Fritz in his final Australian Open match

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Stan Wawrinka left it all out on the court in his last-ever Australian Open match.

After beating Laslo Djere and Arthur Gea to reach the third round, the 2014 Australian Open champion met top-10 star Taylor Fritz.

Wawrinka was up for the fight, taking a set off the American, but eventually lost 6-7, 6-2, 4-6, 4-6 on the John Cain Arena.

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The fans were quick to show their appreciation to Wawrinka, who will retire from tennis at the end of the 2026 season.

Soaking in their applause, the Swiss legend issued an emotional on-court message after his defeat to Fritz.

Stan Wawrinka admits he’s ‘sad to leave’ and thanks fans for ‘unbelievable’ atmosphere

Wawrinka first took a moment to congratulate Fritz, who will now prepare to play Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round.

“He’s an amazing player, he’s a tough fighter to play against, so congrats to him and his team,” said Wawrinka.

“He was better today, no question about that.

“The atmosphere was again unbelievable, so guys, thank you for always showing up.”

Fans’ attention then turned to the big screen, which showed a highlight package featuring some of Wawrinka’s best Australian Open moments.

As the video finished, the crowd rose to their feet once again.

Tournament director Craig Tiley walked out to congratulate Wawrinka, as the pair exchanged words.

“Stan [Wawrinka], I’m not too sure if you know this, but you’re the oldest man to reach the third round since Ken Rosewall in 1978!” said Tiley.

“I’m not sure it’s the best statistic to have, but I will take it,” Wawrinka replied.

Tiley reflected on Wawrinka’s time in Australia, commenting on some of his ‘remarkable’ achievements.

“20 main draw Australian Opens, that puts you in the top six in the Open Era,” he said.

“Remarkable achievement, actually, a couple of days ago, your five-set match was your 49th five-set match in the Open Era in Grand Slams, which is a record, the most. Well done!

“So thank you for the great memories, I know you’re going to come back and do some work, which is not playing the game, hopefully.

“But we all appreciate it, you’ve been a true champion, we love you here, Stan, well done.”

Wawrinka said one final goodbye to Melbourne before sharing a beer with Tiley.

“Normally, we talk on the court after a final; today is not a final, so I won’t make it too long,” he said.

“First of all, thank you, Craig [Tiley], for the wild card; it’s not the first time. For me, it was a lot of emotions when you called to give me this opportunity to have one last chance to say goodbye to the people here in Melbourne.

“I’d like to say congrats for everything you’ve done for tennis, the sport, the players, the fans. This tournament has been improving; it’s been amazing. We have an amazing team behind it all, so I would like to say thank you to everybody for making the players so welcome. It was my last time as a tennis player here, unfortunately.

“First of all, thank you to my team, my family who are always here supporting me. I have had so many emotions here the last 20 years, thanks to you guys. It’s been an amazing journey.

“I won my first Grand Slam here. I always enjoy being back; I have had so much support. The reason why I’m still playing is because of you, the love of the game, the emotions you give me. I’m sad to leave, but it’s been an amazing journey.

“All these years, I saw you guys enjoying the tennis, supporting us, drinking! 

“And now I can enjoy, so if you don’t mind, I’d like to share a beer with Craig, do you mind?

“Cheers, everybody, and thank you so much.”

It’s goodbye from Wawrinka to Australia, but there’s plenty more tennis for him to play in 2026…

Stan Wawrinka nears top-100 return

Wawrinka needed a wild card to play the Australian Open, due to his low ranking.

However, thanks to his run to the third round in Melbourne, the 40-year-old jumped 32 places and now sits just outside the top 100.

If he can keep picking up points over the next few months, Wawrinka may not even need wild cards to gain entry into the final three Grand Slams of the year.

Only time will tell what he can achieve in 2026, but whatever happens, fans won’t forget his memorable run to the third round in Melbourne.