Wawrinka, after his Australian feat: "Matches like today's generate a lot of emotions"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 22 Jan 2026 | 15.17

Wawrinka, after his Australian feat: "Matches like today's generate a lot of emotions." Photo: Getty Images.

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How we will miss the good Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss, at 40 years old and in his final season as a professional, has given a lesson in resilience, competitiveness, and passion for tennis, coming back against Arthur Gea in the second round of the 2026 Australian Open by 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(3).

The atmosphere on the court was a blend of amazement and nostalgia, knowing that this is the last time Stan Wawrinka will walk through Melbourne Park. That one-handed backhand remains as sharp, even though it's not the same as ten years ago, but the Swiss's love for tennis remains intact.

In the press conference after his victory, he thanked the Australian fans for their support, also discussing his preference for five-set matches and the sacrifices he continues to make at 40 years old to stay physically, mentally, and tennis-wise prepared.

Stan Wawrinka continues to play tennis for matches like today's at the Australian Open

"These are emotions that are experienced very rarely with such intensity. I know how hard I have worked, even throughout the past season, despite not achieving big results and even when finding victories was tough. I have always pushed the limits to keep progressing within what I can still do. Living matches like today's, finding solutions without giving up and ultimately winning, generates a lot of emotions."

"I have always enjoyed the big atmospheres. I have always loved feeling the support of the crowd and, above all, sharing moments with them. It's true that being the last one, the support is even greater, and the atmosphere becomes even more intense. That really helps create a special bond with the people, undoubtedly."

A body that endures these battles thanks to his great preparation

"It's possible thanks to all these years of training. All the work off the court, all the sacrifices, the constant discipline, despite my age and with the permanent desire to keep surpassing my limits. I have always been very honest with myself, and that is fundamental in tennis. I know I will never reach the level I had ten years ago again, but the level I can still achieve fully satisfies me, and I try to keep pushing it further."

"I have trained very hard this preseason, both physically and in terms of tennis. I have done everything possible to tell myself: it's my last year, but I don't want it to be a farewell year. I want it to be a year where I can still be competitive and enjoy, because I enjoy it when I am competitive and when I feel I can still do things. In such a tough match, you also see that the opponent starts to weaken, that we both suffer physically, and that gives you even more energy. There are many little details during the match that I can use to fuel myself with energy."

He prefers five-set tournaments

"The Grand Slam has always suited me better in general. I feel I have more time to develop my game, to find solutions. Also, I have a lot of confidence in my physical condition and know I can endure those long matches. For me, it's not a problem to maintain the level."

A victory that is the reward for all the hardships endured last year

"After a year as tough as the last one, knowing that it's my last year here, my last Australian Open, my last year, it's truly special. The emotions are completely different. It's a feeling that's hard to describe. But it's the reason why, at 40 years old, I keep pushing myself, surpassing my limits, training hard in the off-season, to be able to experience those moments," stated a Stan Wawrinka who has already made it clear that even though it's his last season, he will fight, as always, until the end.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Wawrinka, tras su hazaña australiana: "Partidos como el de hoy generan muchísimas emociones"