Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka has ensured his farewell appearance at the Australian Open will stretch into a second round, securing a hard-fought and emotionally charged victory at Melbourne Park on Monday.
Wawrinka's Epic Victory in Final Melbourne Campaign
The 40-year-old, a champion here in 2014, has declared this season his last on the professional tour. Awarded a wildcard entry, Wawrinka capitalised fully, battling past world No.92 Laslo Djere 5-7 6-4 6-4 7-6(4) in a gripping three-hour encounter on Kia Arena.
The moment he sealed the match sparked a thunderous eruption from the crowd, a moment described as giving "goosebumps" by prominent tennis journalist Jose Morgado. A perennial fan favourite, Wawrinka was quick to pay tribute to the supporters who have followed his journey since his Australian Open debut in 2006.
"Because of you guys, thank you," Wawrinka said, addressing the fans directly. "It’s been a long journey. It’s been amazing. So many memories here. The only reason I come back is because of the love you give me."
An Emotional Farewell Tour Begins
When questioned about this being his final Australian Open, the veteran's emotions rose to the surface. "Yeah it is my last year," he confirmed. "The passion is still intact, but I’m not young anymore so I have to be careful. I’m so happy that I won. I have the chance to play one more."
Wawrinka explained he only allowed himself to reflect on the significance as the match concluded. "Only at the end of the match I started to think a little bit and get a little emotional about what can happen." After his on-court interview, he took time to acknowledge all sides of the stadium, soaking in the applause.
He now prepares to face either 17th seed Jiri Lehecka or qualifier Arthur Gea in the second round on Wednesday.
Medvedev Starts Strong in Pursuit of Elusive Title
In other day-one action, Russian star Daniil Medvedev continued his unbeaten start to the year, launching his campaign with a straight-sets win. The 12th seed, a three-time finalist in Melbourne who has famously never lifted the trophy, dispatched young Dutchman Jesper de Jong 7-5 6-2 7-6 (7-2).
The former world No.1 looked poised for a routine finish, serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set. However, world No.73 de Jong broke back twice to force a tiebreaker, which Medvedev ultimately dominated, sealing it with a forehand winner.
This marks Medvedev's sixth consecutive win since arriving in Australia, having claimed the Brisbane International title. It's a positive sign after a lean 2024 by his standards, where he won only one match at the other three Grand Slams combined.
"Today was not easy," Medvedev admitted. "Last year I lost almost everywhere first round, except here. I’m happy to win in straight sets... and hopefully I can play better next round."
Injury Heartbreak for Auger-Aliassime
The tournament saw its first major injury withdrawal, as seventh-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime was forced to retire early in the fourth set of his first-round match against Portugal's Nuno Borges.
Borges led 3-6 6-4 6-4 when Auger-Aliassime signalled he could not continue due to an upper left leg injury. The 25-year-old, who reached the US Open semi-finals last year, had taken medical time-outs late in the third set and again before the fourth.
World No.46 Borges, a last-16 performer here in 2024, expressed sympathy for his opponent but satisfaction with his performance. "It’s a great win for me either way," he said. "I’m really happy to push through this one and get another opportunity."
Other Key Results from Melbourne Park
Elsewhere on the opening day, the action proceeded without major upsets:
- 13th-seeded Russian Andrey Rublev breezed past Italy's Matteo Arnaldi 6-4 6-2 6-3.
- World No.20 Tommy Paul of the USA posted a comfortable 6-4 6-3 6-3 victory over fellow American Aleksandar Kovacevic.
The 2025 Australian Open continues with full crowds expected to flock to Melbourne Park as the first Grand Slam of the year heats up.
