Tennis Stars Bid Farewell to Melbourne Park at Final Slams
Stan Wawrinka, affectionately known as the “Stanimal,” made a significant mark at Melbourne Park during his illustrious tennis career. His rivalry with Novak Djokovic spanned several years, culminating in memorable battles at Grand Slam tournaments between 2013 and 2019.
Tennis Stars Bid Farewell to Melbourne Park at Final Slams
From 2013 to 2019, Wawrinka faced Djokovic seven times at Grand Slams, showcasing his tenacity and skill. He consistently pushed the 24-time major champion to his limits, securing at least two sets in every encounter.
Epic Encounters
Their most notable match occurred during the quarterfinals of the 2014 Australian Open. Wawrinka triumphed in a dramatic five-set match with scores of 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, and 9-7. Following this iconic victory, he proceeded to defeat Tomas Berdych in the semifinals and clinched his first Grand Slam title by overcoming then-world No. 1 Rafael Nadal.
Turning Point of 2013
A pivotal moment in Wawrinka’s career came at the 2013 Australian Open. In a grueling fourth-round match, he battled Djokovic for over five hours, ultimately losing 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7(5), 12-10. This defeat was transformative for Wawrinka.
- “It was a really tough loss, but that was the first time that something clicked in me mentally,” Wawrinka reflected.
- He gained the confidence to believe he could defeat top-ranked players consistently.
Career Highlights
Wawrinka reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3 and amassed 16 ATP titles. His Grand Slam victories include:
- 2014 Australian Open – defeating Rafael Nadal
- 2015 Roland Garros – overcoming Novak Djokovic
- 2016 US Open – winning against Djokovic
Additionally, Wawrinka secured an Olympic gold medal in doubles, partnering with Roger Federer. As tennis stars bid farewell to Melbourne Park at their final slams, Wawrinka’s impact on the tournament remains unforgettable.
