Novak Djokovic hailed Stan Wawrinka as a friend, rival, and inspiration following the Swiss veteran's third-round defeat at the Australian Open. Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, received warm applause in his final appearance at Melbourne Park before retiring after the 2026 season. Djokovic advanced to the fourth round with his 400th Grand Slam victory.
Stan Wawrinka bowed out of the Australian Open on Saturday with a 7-6(5) 2-6 6-4 6-4 loss to American Taylor Fritz in the third round. The 39-year-old Swiss player, who won the tournament in 2014, soaked up applause from the crowd and thanked fans before sharing a beer with tournament director Craig Tiley on court. Wawrinka announced last year that 2026 would mark his final season on the tour.
Novak Djokovic paid an emotional tribute to his longtime rival after the match. "I'm proud to call him a friend and a rival and someone that definitely has inspired me," Djokovic told reporters. "No doubt with his longevity, with commitment to the game. He's so passionate about it." He praised Wawrinka's four-hour battle in the previous round as a testament to his career and noted that the veteran's legacy would inspire younger generations. "He's a great champion on and off the court. A very likeable guy. He did everything the right way and deserved every applause he had this tournament."
Earlier, Djokovic secured a straight-sets 6-3 6-4 7-6(4) victory over Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, marking his 400th Grand Slam match win—the first player to reach that milestone—and his 102nd win at Melbourne, matching Roger Federer's record. The 38-year-old Serb has not dropped a set in the tournament so far and will face Czech Jakub Mensik in the fourth round. During the match, Djokovic narrowly avoided disqualification after smacking a ball that nearly hit a ball girl; he later apologized, saying, "That was not necessary and in the heat of the moment. I was lucky there and I'm sorry for causing any distress."
Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his form but cautioned against overconfidence, drawing from lessons learned last year. "I feel really good. It's been a great start," he said. Wawrinka is expected to continue playing the other majors this year before his retirement.
