Diesel Has Left the Building

Diesel Has Left the Building

Wawrinka’s Final Melbourne Stand

Final Grand Slam appearances rarely go well!. Federer’s straight-sets loss at Wimbledon 2021 and Nadal’s quiet Roland Garros 2024 exit are reminders that time spares no one.

Stan Wawrinka’s third-round loss at the 2024 Australian Open ended in defeat, but it struck a different tone—marked by grit, resilience, and quiet appreciation.

At 38, the 2014 champion entered Melbourne as a wildcard and made it matter. His comeback win over 21-year-old Arthur Géa was vintage Wawrinka: physical, composed, and decided in a final-set tiebreak under pressure. He followed it by pushing No. 9 seed Taylor Fritz, winning the second set 6–2 on a packed John Cain Arena before fatigue inevitably set in.

Though the legs faded, the effort never did. Wawrinka kept tracking down volleys, firing that signature backhand, and kicking serves onto the lines until the final point. The crowd responded with affection and volume.

After the match, Fritz called it “amazing” what Wawrinka was still doing. Then came a tribute video of his 2014 title run. Wawrinka stood quietly, took it in, and thanked the fans: “The reason I was still playing was because of you.”

Before walking off, he cracked two beers courtside with Tennis Australia’s Craig Tiley. A simple gesture, but fitting.

Since this was Wawrinka’s final AO in Melbourne, he leaves with dignity intact—and the enduring respect of a crowd that always knew what he brought to the sport.

Well done Diesel!