Melbourne, Australia – Stan Wawrinka’s remarkable tennis career continued its farewell tour with a hard-fought third-round loss at the 2026 Australian Open to American Taylor Fritz on Saturday. The 40-year-old Swiss player, competing in his final season before retirement, exited the tournament 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, leaving fans to reflect on a storied career marked by Grand Slam success. This marked the end of Wawrinka’s 2026 Australian Open run.
The match, played at John Cain Arena with the roof closed due to heat, saw both players deliver powerful shots, but ultimately Fritz’s consistency proved too much for the veteran Wawrinka. The ninth-seeded Fritz will now advance to the round of 16, where he will face fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy.
A Valiant Effort in Stan Wawrinka’s Farewell Tour
Wawrinka, who first played the Australian Open in 2006 and famously won the title in 2014, became the first player aged 40 or over to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Ken Rosewall achieved the feat at the same tournament in 1978. His performance this week has been a testament to his enduring skill and competitive spirit. However, the physical toll of the matches was evident, particularly in the later stages against Fritz.
Early Match Intensity and Wawrinka’s Second Set Surge
The opening set was a tightly contested affair, requiring a tiebreak to determine the winner. Both players showcased aggressive forehands, but Fritz ultimately secured the advantage. Wawrinka responded strongly in the second set, capitalizing on the crowd’s support to build a significant lead and take the set convincingly.
Despite appearing fatigued after a demanding match on Thursday, Wawrinka demonstrated resilience, saving two break points to extend his lead. He then broke Fritz to claim the second set in 33 minutes. This victory briefly reignited hopes of a deep run in his final Australian Open appearance.
Fritz Regains Control and Wawrinka’s Exit
Fritz, however, regrouped and fought back in the third set, breaking Wawrinka with a powerful smash. He maintained momentum, securing another break and moving within a set of victory. The shift in control was noticeable as Wawrinka began to show signs of wear and tear.
A medical timeout for Wawrinka after the third set signaled the increasing strain on his body. Fritz capitalized on the opportunity, closing out the match and ending Wawrinka’s Australian Open journey. The match highlighted the challenges faced by older players competing against the younger generation on the professional tennis circuit.
Throughout his career, Wawrinka reached a peak ranking of world number three in 2014. He secured three Grand Slam titles – the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016 – often overcoming the dominance of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. He also achieved Olympic gold in doubles alongside Federer at the 2008 Beijing Games, adding to his impressive list of accomplishments. Wawrinka has accumulated 16 ATP titles, with his most recent win coming in Geneva in 2017.
The Swiss player’s retirement will leave a void in the world of tennis, as he was known for his powerful game and unwavering determination. His success story, particularly his Grand Slam victories, served as an inspiration to many aspiring players. The impact of his career extends beyond the court, as he has been a respected figure within the sport.
Fritz’s next challenge will be a tough match against Lorenzo Musetti, a rising star in men’s tennis. Musetti has been in excellent form, and the encounter promises to be a thrilling contest. The remainder of the Australian Open will focus on the continued progression of the top seeds and the emergence of potential surprise contenders. The tournament is expected to conclude on January 31st, with the men’s final.
Looking ahead, Wawrinka is expected to complete his planned farewell tour, participating in select tournaments throughout the 2026 season. The tennis world will be watching to see how he finishes his illustrious career and to celebrate his contributions to the sport. The uncertainty remains regarding his exact schedule and how his body will hold up during these final appearances.
