Australian Open
Wawrinka wins 5-set thriller to roll back years, reach Australian Open R3
Former World No. 3 is the oldest man to reach the third round since 1978
January 22, 2026
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Stan Wawrinka is into the third round in Melbourne for the first time since 2020.
By Jerome Coombe
Stan Wawrinka added another memorable moment to his farewell season on Thursday afternoon at the Australian Open, carving his name into the record books once more.
The 40-year-old Swiss battled past determined French qualifier Arthur Gea 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(3) in a gripping four-hour, 33-minute encounter to become the oldest man to reach the third round at Melbourne Park since Ken Rosewall achieved the feat at age 44 in 1978. The former World No. 3, who lifted his first of three Grand Slam trophies at the Australian Open in 2014, is set to retire at the end of the season.
“Exhausted… As I told you, it’s my last Australian Open, so I’m trying to last as long as possible,” Wawrinka said in his on-court interview. “I’m not young anymore, so I need your [crowd] energy. It’s an amazing feeling to be on this court and have so much amazing support.”
NOT DONE YET! 🫶@stanwawrinka #AusOpen2026 pic.twitter.com/L6PWpzJy5r
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 22, 2026
The marathon win marked Wawrinka’s 58th five-set match (31–27), the most of any player in the Open Era, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. Drawing on his vast experience, he edged past the 21-year-old Gea, who was contesting his first five-set match at tour level.
Advancing to the third round in Melbourne for the 12th time in his career, Wawrinka will next take on the No. 9 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, Taylor Fritz.
