Wawrinka Defies Time, Makes Grand Slam History in Melbourne
MELBOURNE, 24 January 2026 – Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka has carved another unforgettable chapter into his storied career, battling for four hours and 33 minutes to secure a historic third-round berth at the Australian Open. At 40 years of age, the 2014 champion has become the oldest man to progress this far at a major tournament in nearly five decades.
The Historic Win
In what he has confirmed will be his final season on tour, Wawrinka displayed trademark resilience to overcome French qualifier Arthur Gea, 21, in a gripping five-set epic on Kia Arena. The final scoreline read 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(3) in a match that tested the limits of both players. The victory marks Wawrinka’s first trip to the Australian Open third round since 2020 and a record-extending 58th five-set match of his career, the most in the Open Era.
“Exhausted,” was Wawrinka’s first word in his on-court interview. “It’s my last Australian Open, so I’m trying to last as long as possible. Not only did I have fun, but you gave me so much energy. I’m not young anymore, so I need the extra.” The crowd, overwhelmingly in support of the fan favourite, roared its approval throughout the marathon contest.
Wawrinka’s Career at a Glance
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age & Nationality | 40 years old, Switzerland |
| Current ATP Ranking | 139 |
| Career-High Ranking | 3 |
| Grand Slam Titles | 3 (Australian Open 2014, French Open 2015, US Open 2016) |
| Career Prize Money (approx.) | A$57 million |
| 2026 Australian Open Result | Advanced to Third Round |
The Road Ahead
The Swiss legend’s reward for his monumental effort is a third-round clash with American ninth seed Taylor Fritz. Fritz, the 2024 US Open runner-up, acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating he has “looked up to Stan for a long time” and praised the “impressive level and just the physicality he’s still bringing.”
Wawrinka, who needed a wildcard to enter this year’s draw, has been open about his physical limitations compared to his peak but remains fiercely competitive. “I know I’m not as good as I was before… I’m getting old. But I’m still happy with what I’m doing, always trying to push my own limit,” he said following his first-round win.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Stan Wawrinka?
Stan Wawrinka is 40 years old. He was born on 28 March 1985.
Is this really Stan Wawrinka’s last season?
Yes. The Swiss champion confirmed in December 2025 that the 2026 ATP season would be his last as a professional tennis player.
When was the last time a 40-year-old did this well at a Grand Slam?
Wawrinka is the first man aged 40 or over to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Australian great Ken Rosewall achieved the feat at the 1978 Australian Open at the age of 44.
Who does Stan Wawrinka play next at the Australian Open?
He is scheduled to play the ninth seed, American Taylor Fritz, in the third round.