STAN WAWRINKA drank to his success at the Australian Open as he sunk a can of beer on his Melbourne farewell.
The Switzerland tennis star was a curious figure who liked a frequent night out on the booze – but then could also beat the world’s best with a racquet.
He brought a rare artistry to the court, blending power with timing, with a backhand that could dismantle opponents.
Now 40, Wawrinka won three Grand Slam Championships between 2014-16, the first being the Aussie Open crown in 2014 when he incredibly beat Rafa Nadal over four sets.
And after his 7-6 2-6 6-4 6-4 loss in two hours and 46 minutes to American Taylor Fritz, he said an emotional goodbye to the crowd.
A special montage video of his time in Australia was played on the John Cain Arena and he received a standing ovation from the fans.
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And then Wawrinka – who is in the draw as a wildcard – cracked open a tinnie with tournament director Craig Tiley, the man who runs the show Down Under.
He said: “I have had so many emotions here over the last 20 years. It has been an amazing journey.
“I always enjoyed being back. I always had so much support. I played for the love of the game
“I want to share a beer with Craig. Cheers everybody and thank you so much.
“The atmosphere here was unbelievable. Thank to you all for always showing up.
“Taylor is an amazing player and a tough fighter. He was better than me.”
Wawrinka is the first player aged 40 or over to reach the men’s third round at a Slam since Ken Rosewall at the Australian Open in 1978.
Wawrinka is going to end it at the end of the 2026 season and there is a chance he will get a wildcard for Wimbledon.
The world No.139 said: “For sure, I’m going to rest a bit the body now.
“I also need to see how it’s going to be over the next few days because, of course, I’m not as fresh as I would like to be. I’m looking forward to the next tournaments.”
Fritz, 28, said: “It was cool to sit there and see the whole thing.
“It’s like I knew the second the video started playing, if I look at Stan, I’m going to start getting emotional. I get that.
“I told him at the net what he’s doing is incredible. Being able to do it at his age, that’s impressive.
“But more so the mentality of it, the passion and the love for the game and the competitiveness.
“He’s someone who has absolutely nothing to prove.”
Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, 28, withdrew from her third-round clash with a left abdominal injury and Australian Maddison Inglis was given a bye to the last 16 where Iga Swiatek awaits.
On a hot day in Melbourne, defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner recovered from losing the first set to American Eliot Spizzirri before prevailing 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4.
Novak Djokovic remains in the hunt for a 25th singles Slam as he got rid of Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3 6-4 7-6.
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