Stan Wawrinka, the 40-year-old Swiss veteran, overcame a set deficit to beat Laslo Djere in four sets at the Australian Open on Monday. The win marks his first victory at the tournament in five years and launches his final professional season on a high note. Wawrinka credited the crowd's support for fueling his performance on Kia Arena.
Stan Wawrinka produced a gritty comeback to advance to the second round of the Australian Open, defeating Serbia's Laslo Djere 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) in a four-set battle on Monday at Melbourne Park. The 2014 champion, playing his 20th Australian Open and in his announced final year on the ATP Tour, snapped a four-match losing streak at majors with this victory—his first Grand Slam win since Wimbledon 2024 and first at Melbourne since 2021.
Trailing after the opening set, Wawrinka leaned on defensive slices to extend rallies, winning 58 percent of points lasting nine or more shots, per Infosys stats. He dominated on serve, securing 86 percent of first-serve points and 64 percent on second serves, while converting three of 18 break-point opportunities, including a crucial break in the fourth set when down 2-4.
In his on-court interview, an emotional Wawrinka thanked the supportive crowd: “It has been a long journey. It has been amazing, so many memories here... The only reason I come back is because of the love you give me, it was amazing today.” He added, “It is my last year. The passion is still intact. I am not young anymore, so I have to be careful... I am so happy I won and have a chance to play one more match here.”
Later in his press conference, Wawrinka reflected on his preparation, crediting recent United Cup matches for building stamina: “I’ve been working really hard to stay in shape... It got me a lot of confidence into what I’m able to do.” He acknowledged his current form compared to his 2014 title run: “I know I’m not as good as I was before. I know I’m not physical and tennis-wise as I was before. That’s normal.”
Wawrinka, a former world No. 3 and three-time Grand Slam winner, will next face the winner of Jiri Lehecka versus Arthur Gea.
