Stan Wawrinka Bids Farewell at the Australian Open with a Toast

Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, concluded his Australian Open career on January 21, 2026, after a third-round loss to No. 9 seed Taylor Fritz, with a score of 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. At 40 years old, Wawrinka made history by becoming the first man over 40 to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Ken Rosewall in 1978. Following the match, Wawrinka participated in a farewell ceremony at John Cain Arena, where he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to say goodbye to the Melbourne crowd.

Cheers! Stan Wawrinka bids farewell at Australian Open with beers and gratitude"I'm going to get a beer now" Wawrinka's cheerful farewell to the Australian OpenThree-time Grand Slam winner enjoys beer on court after emotional final Australian Open matchThree-time Grand Slam winner enjoys beer on court after emotional final Australian Open match

After the formalities, Wawrinka shared a light-hearted moment with Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley, cracking open two beers from a courtside cooler. “Cheers everybody! And thank you so much,” he said, raising his can to the audience. Wawrinka reflected on his emotional journey over the past two decades, stating, “I’m sad to leave, but it’s been an amazing journey.” He acknowledged the crowd's support throughout his career, saying, “All these years, I saw you enjoying the tennis, I saw you supporting us, I saw you cheering for us. And now I would like to join you.”

Stan Wawrinka says goodbye with a beer as Jannik Sinner is saved by the sun — quick hits from the Australian Open

Wawrinka's performance against Fritz was commendable, showcasing his competitive spirit despite the loss. He had previously achieved a significant milestone by winning a grueling five-set match against Arthur Gea in the second round, marking his 49th five-set match at a major—a record. Wawrinka's determination and skill were evident, as he fought hard against Fritz, winning only four points fewer than his opponent throughout the match.

"I'm going to get a beer now" Wawrinka's cheerful farewell to the Australian Open

Fritz praised Wawrinka's resilience and the atmosphere surrounding the match, stating, “I can’t blame anyone in the crowd for cheering for Stan here. It’s amazing what he’s out here doing.” Novak Djokovic, another tennis icon, also paid tribute to Wawrinka, calling him a friend and an inspiration. “If he leaves, tennis will lose a great player and a great person,” Djokovic remarked.

Cheers! Stan Wawrinka bids farewell at Australian Open with beers and gratitude

As Wawrinka prepares for his final season on the professional circuit, he aims to savor every moment. With aspirations to return to the top 100 in the world rankings, he remains focused on his performance in the upcoming tournaments. His farewell at the Australian Open not only marked the end of an era for Wawrinka but also highlighted his enduring legacy in the sport.

"I'm going to get a beer now" Wawrinka's cheerful farewell to the Australian Open