Wawrinka plays final Australian Open match in loss to Fritz

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Stanislas Wawrinka bade an emotional farewell to the Australian Open fans after wrapping up his Grand Slam campaign with a third-round loss to Taylor Fritz, 6-7, 6-2, 4-6, 4-6, on Jan. 24, 2026, at John Cain Arena in Melbourne.

After almost three hours of slugfest, the Swiss legend couldn’t sustain his second-set momentum and dropped sets 3 and 4, which officially marked his final match in Melbourne Park.

Despite failing to advance to the quarterfinals, the three-time Grand Slam champion received the flowers he deserved and was joined by tournament director Craig Tiley in the middle of the court.

“Normally we talk on court after a final,” joked Wawrinka.
“Today is not a final so I’m not going to make it too long. First of all, Craig, thank you for the wild card invitation—not the first time for me. It was a lot of emotion when you called me to give me this opportunity to have one last chance to say goodbye to the people here in Melbourne.”

The Australian Open will always have a special place in Wawrinka’s heart after winning his first-ever Grand Slam title in Melbourne when he dominated Rafael Nadal in 2014.

Tagged as one of the biggest upsets in a Grand Slam championship match, Wawrinka defied the odds after taking down the heavy favorite in just four sets, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

The win also helped Wawrinka become the first player outside the “Big Four” (Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Murray) to win a Grand Slam since Juan Martin del Potro in 2009.

“I’ve had so many emotions here these last 20 years because of you guys. It’s been an amazing journey. I won my first Grand Slam here,” added Wawrinka.

Now that the Australian Open dream has already faded, Wawrinka will redirect his focus to the clay court, where he also looks to have one more run in the French Open at Roland Garros.

After an illustrious 23-year professional career, Wawrinka is set to retire from tennis, as announced in a social media post on Dec. 20, 2025.

“One last push,” Wawrinka posted.
“Every book needs an ending. It’s time to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player. 2026 will be my last year on tour.”