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Three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka wanted only one thing after playing the final Australian Open match of his career on Saturday: a beer.
Wawrinka, who is expected to retire at the end of the 2026 season, lost to No. 9 seed Taylor Fritz 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the third round. At age 40, he became the first man aged 40 or older to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament since Ken Rosewall at the 1978 Australian Open.
After the match ended, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley joined Wawrinka on court for a ceremony and small tribute on the stadium screen at John Cain Arena. After the ceremony, Wawrinka approached the microphone.
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Stan Wawrinka holds up a beer after his third round loss to Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, January 24, 2026. (Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP Photo)
“Normally we talk on the pitch after a final. Today is not a final, so I won’t last too long,” he said. “Thank you for the wildcard invitation… for one last chance to say goodbye to the people of Melbourne.
“It was unfortunately my last time as a tennis player here. I’ve had so many emotions here over the last 20 years. I’m sad to leave, but it’s been an incredible journey.”
Wawrinka, who won the first of his three Grand Slam titles in Australia in 2014, wanted to spend his final moments on court with a beer.
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Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka gestures to fans as he enters the court for his third-round match against American Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, January 24, 2026. (Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP Photo)
“Now I can enjoy it. If you don’t mind, I’d like to share a beer with Craig.”
Fritz said what the 40-year-old was doing was incredible.
“It’s obviously a very, very difficult match, the environment as well,” Fritz said of Wawrinka’s Australian final. “I can’t blame anyone in the crowd for cheering for Stan here. It’s amazing what he’s doing here.
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Spectators applaud Stan Wawrinka during his third round match against Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, January 24, 2026. (Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP Photo)
“I have so much respect for the passion and drive it takes to do what he’s doing this week.”
