Hello Sports Press Readers
By Tennis Insider | January 19, 2026 | Melbourne, Australia
If there were ever a script written for the final chapter of a tennis legend, Stan Wawrinka is following it to the letter.
On a sweltering Monday in Melbourne, the 40-year-old Swiss icon—arguably the greatest "late bloomer" the sport has ever seen—stepped onto the blue hard courts of the Kia Arena not just as a competitor, but as a living testament to resilience. In what he has confirmed will be his final season on the professional tour, Wawrinka produced a vintage performance to defeat Serbia’s Laslo Djere in four gripping sets (5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6), sending a shockwave of nostalgia and adrenaline through the Australian Open grounds.
The match, which lasted over three hours, was more than just a first-round victory; it was a defiant statement against the dying of the light. For the thousands of fans searching "Stan Wawrinka" on Google this morning, the trend spike isn't just about a scoreline—it’s about the collective realization that we are witnessing the final, beautiful sunset of a golden generation.
The Match Report: How the "Stanimal" Woke Up
The contest began with the kind of physical brutality that Laslo Djere is known for. The Serbian, a clay-court specialist with a heavy forehand and immense stamina, looked to exploit the movement of his 40-year-old opponent early on. Djere, 30, played a disciplined first set, moving Wawrinka from corner to corner and forcing errors from the Swiss’s racquet.
When Wawrinka dropped the first set 5-7, a familiar murmur rippled through the crowd. Was this it? Was this how the 2014 Champion would bow out? A quiet exit on a side court?
But Stan Wawrinka has made a career out of defying the odds.
Turning the Tide (Sets 2 & 3)
The shift occurred early in the second set. Wawrinka, seemingly shaking off the rust and the nerves of his "farewell tour" debut, began to find his range. The trademark shot—that ferocious, unparalleled one-handed backhand—started firing with ominous precision.
He stopped engaging Djere in long, lung-busting rallies and began shortening the points. He flattened out his forehand and began serving with higher precision, if not the sheer speed of his youth. Wawrinka broke Djere early in the second set to take it 6-3, leveling the match.
The third set was a masterclass in veteran management. Wawrinka conserved energy on return games where he had little chance, but pounced the moment Djere showed a flicker of hesitation. A crucial break at 4-4 allowed Wawrinka to serve for the set, which he closed out 6-4 with an ace down the T, accompanied by his signature point-to-the-temple celebration—a gesture that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
The Climax (Set 4)
The fourth set was a dogfight. Djere, refusing to go quietly, pushed the set to a tie-break. In the breaker, Wawrinka trailed early but clawed his way back with two stunning winners down the line. At match point, a heavy rally ended with a Djere error, sealing a 7-6(4) victory for the Swiss.
As the final ball landed out, Wawrinka didn't collapse or weep; he simply raised his arms, soaking in the roar of a crowd that knew they were watching history.
The "Final Push": Contextualizing the 2026 Season
Why is the internet breaking over a first-round match? Because this is the beginning of the end.
In late 2025, Wawrinka announced that 2026 would be his "One Last Push"—a final lap of the globe to say goodbye to the tournaments that shaped his legacy. Unlike his peers who faded away due to injury or retired abruptly, Wawrinka is choosing to go out on his shield, fighting for every ranking point until the very last ball is struck.
"I am at peace with the decision," Wawrinka told reporters in the pre-tournament press conference. "I squeezed the lemon until the last drop. But while I am here, I am not a tourist. I am here to win."
And win he did. This victory snaps a four-match losing streak at the Majors for Wawrinka, marking his first Grand Slam win since Wimbledon 2024. For a player ranked outside the top 100, relying on a wildcard to even enter the draw, to defeat a top-100 stalwart like Djere is a testament to his enduring quality.
Tactical Breakdown: The Evolution of a 40-Year-Old Champion
Tennis analysts observing the match noted a distinct shift in Wawrinka's 2026 tactics, optimized for his age and physical limitations:
- The "First Strike" Mentality: In his prime, Wawrinka could grind for five hours. Today, he is looking to end points within the first four shots. Against Djere, he aggressively stepped inside the baseline to take time away from the Serbian.
- The Slice Backhand: While his topspin backhand is legendary, Wawrinka used the slice far more frequently against Djere. This low-bouncing shot forced the Serbian to bend his knees and generate his own pace—a tiring endeavor in the Melbourne heat.
- Serve Placement over Power: Wawrinka’s first serve percentage was high (over 65%), focusing on wide angles to open up the court rather than trying to blast through Djere with pace.
This tactical evolution suggests that Wawrinka isn't just relying on muscle memory; he is out-thinking opponents half his age.
A Trip Down Memory Lane: Why Melbourne Loves Stan
The bond between Stan Wawrinka and the Australian Open is forged in iron. It was here, 12 years ago in 2014, that Wawrinka shattered the glass ceiling of the "Big Four."
At that time, no one outside of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, or Murray had won a major in years. Wawrinka, then the perennial "second Swiss," defeated Novak Djokovic in a quarterfinal for the ages (ending 9-7 in the fifth) and then stunned a brave but injured Rafael Nadal in the final.
That victory didn't just give him a trophy; it gave him an identity. He wasn't just Roger Federer's friend anymore; he was "Stan the Man," the player with the heaviest shot weight in history. Returning to Melbourne Park in 2026 for one final dance brings that narrative full circle. The fans cheering for him today aren't just cheering for a win; they are cheering for the memory of that 2014 triumph.
The Opponent: Credit to Laslo Djere
It is important to acknowledge the role of Laslo Djere in this narrative. The Serbian, ranked inside the top 100, has been a model of consistency on the tour. Coming off a difficult 2025 season marred by minor injuries, Djere looked sharp in the first set.
Djere's game is built on rhythm and repetition, often referred to as a "grinder." For him to lose to a 40-year-old is undoubtedly frustrating, but he played a high-quality match. He forced Wawrinka to hit 40+ winners to beat him. Djere remains a dangerous floater in any draw, but today, he ran into a wall of destiny.
What’s Next for Wawrinka?
With this hurdle cleared, the path doesn't get easier. The draw for the Australian Open is merciless.
Wawrinka will likely face either the 17th seed Jiri Lehecka or the young French qualifier Arthur Gea in the Second Round. Lehecka, a quarterfinalist here in 2023, possesses the kind of modern firepower that can rush Wawrinka.
However, the "Stanimal" becomes dangerous when he gains momentum. History has shown that if Wawrinka survives the first week of a Slam, his heavy hitting becomes even more potent as the courts speed up and his rhythm locks in. Could we see a run to the second week? It seems improbable at 40, but as we learned today, doubting Stan Wawrinka is a dangerous game.
Key Stats from the Match
| Statistic | Stan Wawrinka (SUI) | Laslo Djere (SRB) |
| Aces | 12 | 8 |
| Double Faults | 3 | 5 |
| First Serve % | 66% | 71% |
| Winners | 48 | 32 |
| Unforced Errors | 39 | 28 |
| Break Points Won | 4/11 | 2/6 |
| Net Points Won | 18/24 (75%) | 9/15 (60%) |
| Total Points Won | 138 | 129 |
Data reflects the intensity of the four-set battle.
Read More:-
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) Corner: Quick Facts
Q: Who won the match between Stan Wawrinka and Laslo Djere at AO 2026?
A: Stan Wawrinka won the match in four sets (5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6).
Q: Is Stan Wawrinka retiring in 2026?
A: Yes, Stan Wawrinka has officially announced that the 2026 season will be his last on the professional tour, calling it his "One Last Push."
Q: How old is Stan Wawrinka in the 2026 Australian Open?
A: Stan Wawrinka is 40 years old (born March 28, 1985).
Q: What is Stan Wawrinka’s best result at the Australian Open?
A: He is the 2014 Australian Open Champion.
Q: Who will Stan Wawrinka play next?
A: He is scheduled to play the winner of the match between Jiri Lehecka and Arthur Gea in the Second Round.
Conclusion: The Long Goodbye Begins
As the Melbourne sun set on Day 2 of the Australian Open, the story wasn't about the young guns like Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner. It was about a man with a graying beard and a neon outfit, reminding the world that class is permanent.
Stan Wawrinka’s victory over Laslo Djere won't change the guard of tennis. He likely won't lift the trophy in two weeks' time. But for one glorious afternoon, he suspended time. He allowed us to believe that the past isn't gone, it's just waiting for the right moment to hit a one-handed backhand down the line.
The "Last Dance" continues. Wawrinka is into Round 2. And the tennis world is watching, grateful for every extra minute we get with Stan the Man.
Tale of the Tape: Stan Wawrinka (2014 vs. 2026)
Here is a side-by-side comparison of Stan Wawrinka at the peak of his powers (the 2014 Australian Open Final vs. Rafael Nadal) and the veteran tactician we saw today (2026 First Round vs. Laslo Djere).
Both matches were contested over four sets, making this a perfect "apples-to-apples" comparison of how his game has evolved over 12 years.
| Statistic | 2014 AO Final (The Champion) | 2026 AO Round 1 (The Veteran) | The Evolution |
| Opponent | Rafael Nadal (ESP) | Laslo Djere (SRB) | |
| Duration | 2h 21m | 3h 12m | Matches take longer now as rallies are shorter but recovery time is managed more carefully. |
| Aces | 19 | 12 | Power Decline: Natural drop in explosive power, though 12 aces is still elite for his age. |
| 1st Serve Speed (Avg) | 198 km/h (123 mph) | 186 km/h (115 mph) | Precision over Pace: He now sacrifices speed to hit sharper angles and increase percentage. |
| 1st Serve % | 55% | 66% | Tactical Shift: He serves "safer" to avoid defending 2nd serves, which are punishable at 40. |
| Winners | 51 | 48 | Still Lethal: Astonishingly, his ability to end points (especially off the backhand) remains nearly identical. |
| Unforced Errors | 38 | 39 | Consistency: The numbers are similar, proving his timing is still world-class. |
| Net Points Won | 89% (8/9) | 75% (18/24) | Moving Forward: He comes to the net much more often now (24 times vs 9) to shorten points, even if the conversion rate is slightly lower. |
| Distance Covered | ~2.8 km | ~1.9 km | Economy of Movement: The biggest change. He no longer chases every ball; he cuts off angles and anticipates. |
Analysis: How the "Stanimal" Evolved
1. From "Blunt Force" to "Sniper Mode" In 2014, Wawrinka overpowered Nadal with sheer weight of shot. He could hit through the court from 3 meters behind the baseline. In 2026, he hugs the baseline. The stats show a massive jump in Net Approaches (9 vs 24). He knows he cannot win a stamina battle against younger legs, so he is using the "serve-and-volley" or "chip-and-charge" tactics far more frequently to end points early.
2. The Service Adjustment The drop in average speed (198 km/h to 186 km/h) is deliberate. At 29, he could blast 220 km/h flat serves and risk a low percentage (55%). At 40, he relies on a 66% first-serve percentage using slice and kick serves. He is forcing Djere to reach, rather than trying to blow the racquet out of his hand.
3. The Backhand Remains The most encouraging stat is the Winners (51 vs 48). While his movement has declined (indicated by lower distance covered), his racquet head speed on the backhand side appears virtually untouched by time. As long as he can get his feet in position, the shot is still a weapon of mass destruction.
.jpg)
0 Comments