Stan Wawrinka described his marathon second-round win at the Australian Open as a special moment in his career after becoming the first 40-year-old to reach the third round of a men’s grand slam in 48 years.
Wawrinka, who will retire at the end of the season, survived a five‑set epic against Arthur Gea of France, recovering from 2-1 down in sets to win 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (3) after 4hr 33min.
Asked where this victory ranks in his career the 2014 Australian Open champion said: “Never compare the past. That’s really never a good idea. For me, I’m always trying to stay in the present, living with what’s happening in the present.
“Of course, after a tough year like last year, knowing it’s my last one here, my last Australian Open, my last year, it’s really special.
“The emotions are really completely different. It’s a feeling that’s tough to describe. But it’s the reason why at 40 I’m still pushing myself, pushing the limit, practising hard in the off-season, it’s to live those moments.”
Wawrinka will have a shot at a top player when he faces the ninth seed, Taylor Fritz, in round three. Fritz, who has been nursing a knee injury, progressed with a calm 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (4) win over Vit Kopriva.
“I’m excited for it,” said Fritz. “I think it will be a fun match. I’ve looked up to Stan for a long time. I know he’s playing well. I practised with him in Perth at the United Cup. His average time on court per match this year has to be something insane because even at the United Cup he was battling long three-setters every match. It’s so impressive the level and just the physicality he’s still bringing.”
There were no problems for Jannik Sinner, the second seed and defending champion, or the 10-times champion Novak Djokovic on Thursday. Sinner eased past the Australian James Duckworth, winning 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 and Djokovic dismissed the Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek continued to build momentum at the bottom of the women’s draw, defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-2, 6-3 to advance to round three, where she will face the 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya. Swiatek said her goal for the season is to be kinder to herself by resting more.
“My goal for this year [is] to go somewhere and just rest and not do anything because I tend to do other stuff, like off-court obligations,” she said. “Obviously there is stuff that needs to be done. I also take quite a lot on my shoulders. My goal for this season is actually to unplug a bit better. Hopefully I’m going to have more energy till the end of the season.”
Belinda Bencic, the 10th seed, fell 6-3, 0-6, 6-4 to the 19-year-old qualifier Nikola Bartunkova, the first significant upset in the women’s draw.
