Wawrinka’s Rival Amazed by His Endurance in Tennis at 40

In a recent interview, Taylor Fritz expressed admiration for fellow competitor Stan Wawrinka’s remarkable endurance at the age of 40. The 28-year-old Fritz, who is competing at the Australian Open, acknowledged he could not envision himself still playing professional tennis at that age. Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, is making what he has confirmed as his final appearance at the tournament.

Wawrinka’s Endurance in Tennis at 40

At the Australian Open, Wawrinka’s resilience has been a focal point of the early rounds. He has spent nearly eight hours on court to reach the third round, showcasing his competitive spirit and athleticism. Ranked 139th in the world, a stark contrast to his peak ranking of third, Wawrinka is defying age-based expectations.

Impressive Performance Against Arthur Géa

• Wawrinka won a thrilling five-set match against French qualifier Arthur Géa.
• The match score was 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10/3).
• This victory captivated fans at the Kia Arena.

After the match, Wawrinka commented on his approach to competition. He emphasized the importance of staying present and not dwelling on past achievements. He stated, “For me, I’m always trying to stay in the present, living with what’s happening in the present.” This mental resilience seems to fuel his ongoing commitment despite past injuries and challenges.

A Remarkable Journey

This Australian Open marks Wawrinka’s farewell year on the ATP circuit. His ability to compete at a high level against younger players has drawn attention. Fritz noted, “It’s so impressive the level and just the physicality he’s still bringing.”

Veterans in Action

Wawrinka is not alone in showcasing endurance among older players at the tournament. Other veterans, such as 38-year-old Novak Djokovic and Marin Čilić, are also making headlines.

• Djokovic aims for an 11th Australian Open title this year.
• Čilić, a 2018 finalist, continues to perform well despite injury struggles.

Wawrinka expressed respect for Djokovic’s consistent excellence, stating, “He’s always going to be there as long as he’s playing.” Wawrinka’s final year in professional tennis highlights the dedication required to compete at the highest level, regardless of age.