This wildcard was well deserved, as 40-year-old Wawrinka staged a comeback victory, marking a perfect start to his final Australian Open.

Today, Melbourne Park was the stage for a victory full of sentiment and determination. The 40-year-old Swiss tennis veteran Wawrinka, retiring after this season, fought for 3 hours and 20 minutes in the opening round of the Australian Open men’s singles, coming back from behind to beat Serbian player Djere 5-7/6-3/6-4/7-6(4), securing his first main draw Australian Open win in five years. This was a perfect kickoff to his career’s final Australian Open.

At the start of the match, Wawrinka dropped the first set 5-7, causing some concern for the veteran. However, from the second set onwards, he gradually regained his rhythm, using his signature powerful forehand and vast match experience to take the next two sets 6-3 and 6-4. In the crucial fourth set, the players battled to a tiebreak, where Wawrinka held firm under pressure to win 7-4, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The entire match lasted 3 hours and 20 minutes, with Wawrinka running and swinging under Melbourne’s blazing sun, proving to the world that age is just a number and fighting spirit never fades.

This victory ended Wawrinka’s four consecutive Grand Slam main draw losses since Wimbledon 2024, and also marked his first main draw win at Melbourne Park in five years since the 2021 Australian Open, finally breaking the “first-round curse” that had plagued him at this tournament for years.

The 2026 Australian Open is Wawrinka’s final appearance at this Grand Slam in his career. As the 2014 champion, he entered this tournament with a wildcard and responded to doubts about his age and form with a comeback win, proving the value of granting wildcards and earning respect befitting a legend.

From his first Australian Open main draw win in 2006 to this deeply moving victory in 2026, Wawrinka’s journey in Melbourne spans a full two decades. Over these twenty years, he evolved from a raw challenger to the 2014 champion, and now to a beloved veteran preparing to retire.

Fans at the venue displayed banners saying, “The original passion never ages, the struggle always feels youthful.” This perhaps best sums up Wawrinka’s career. Even at forty, he still gives his all on the court, with every shot reflecting his pure love for tennis.

Wawrinka’s opponent in the second round will be the winner between Czech rising star Lehecka and French player Jézéquel. Regardless of who he faces, this Swiss veteran will carry the confidence from his first-round victory and the support of the crowd forward.

Fans expressed their wishes on social media: “Please play a few more matches!” “Every match is a precious gift.” “A living legend, cherish every moment.”

In today’s tennis world dominated by youthful powerhouses, veteran Wawrinka has written a unique chapter about time, perseverance, and passion. His final dance has only just begun; and the memories of him in tennis will endure for a long time.

No matter what the upcoming results are, this court at the 2026 Australian Open has already gained extraordinary significance because of this victory. Stan Wawrinka, this tennis warrior, is holding his racket tightly and fighting fiercely in the way he knows best, bidding a heartfelt farewell to the sport he loves so deeply. (Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei)