Retiring Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka has captured attention at the Australian Open not just with his remarkable on-court performances, but also with a subtle yet meaningful detail on his playing shirt. The 40-year-old, competing in his final season, has provided an explanation for the unique design element that has intrigued fans throughout the tournament.
Emotional Farewell Tour Continues with Epic Victories
Wawrinka has been one of the standout stories of this year's Australian Open, defying age and expectations to progress to the third round. His campaign began with a gruelling three-hour victory over Laslo Djere in the opening round, followed by an even more dramatic comeback against young Frenchman Arthur Gea. In that second-round encounter, Wawrinka recovered from being two sets to one down to triumph in the longest match of the tournament so far, lasting four hours and thirty-three minutes.
The Swiss fan favourite, who claimed the Australian Open title back in 2014, has announced this will be his final season on the professional tour. His performances in Melbourne have demonstrated the grit and experience that have defined his glittering career, with crowds enthusiastically supporting the veteran throughout his matches.
Fashion History with a Personal Touch
Observant fans noticed a distinctive detail on the inside of the buttons at the top of Wawrinka's shirt - a small section featuring a red and white checkered pattern. This unusual element doesn't appear on any other shirts from his sponsor Yonex, making it a unique addition to his tournament attire.
As Wawrinka revealed after his second-round victory, the design serves as a deliberate nod to the infamous shorts he wore during his triumphant 2015 French Open campaign. The three-time Grand Slam champion laughed about his unexpected place in tennis fashion history when questioned about the tribute.
"I'm not part of fashion history. People remember that short because it was not the best-looking shorts," Wawrinka said with characteristic humour. "Also because I did win the French Open. That's why we talk so much about it."
Despite his self-deprecating comments about the original shorts, Wawrinka expressed satisfaction with his current tournament clothing. "No, I'm happy with the clothes I'm having right now. I think they're good. I'm happy to wear them," he added.
Fan Reaction to the Thoughtful Tribute
Tennis enthusiasts have embraced the nostalgic reference to one of the sport's most memorable outfits. Social media and fan forums have been buzzing with appreciation for the thoughtful design element.
One supporter commented: "This is genius. Those were the ugliest shorts to ever win a grand slam."
Another fan noted: "That's class from Yonex. Never seen them do anything like this before. Stan deserves a good farewell."
Additional observations revealed that the checkered pattern extends beyond just the button area. "I noticed that as soon as I saw him wearing the shirt a few days ago," one keen-eyed viewer shared. "The pattern also repeats on the back of the shirt, found down a few inches from the collar down the middle of his back."
Living in the Present During Final Campaign
Despite achieving one of the most impressive victories of his later career against Gea, Wawrinka remains focused on the present rather than dwelling on past glories. The veteran's philosophical approach to his farewell season has been evident in his post-match reflections.
"Never compare the past. That's really never a good idea," Wawrinka explained. "For me, I'm always trying to stay in the present, living with what's happening in the present."
The emotional significance of his final Australian Open appearance hasn't been lost on the Swiss star. "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," he shared. "The emotions are really completely different. It's a feeling that's tough to describe."
Wawrinka's dedication to maintaining his competitive edge remains undiminished. "But it's the reason why at 40 I'm still pushing myself, pushing the limit, practising hard in the off-season," he continued. "It's to live those moments."
Looking Ahead to Third Round Challenge
Wawrinka now faces ninth seed Taylor Fritz in the third round, setting up what promises to be another compelling encounter. The American has expressed both respect and excitement about facing the Swiss veteran.
"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."
Fritz acknowledged Wawrinka's remarkable physical resilience, noting: "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," the American added, highlighting the enduring quality that has made Wawrinka's farewell tour so memorable for tennis fans worldwide.
