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| Image Source :: Getty Images: Lintao Zhang |
The Australian Open 2026 has delivered its first truly emotional blockbuster, a match that will be remembered not just for the tennis, but for the poignant passing of the torch witnessed at John Cain Arena. In a Third Round clash that bridged two distinct eras of the sport, American No. 1 Taylor Fritz overcame the legendary Stan Wawrinka in four sets, ending the Swiss icon’s final campaign at Melbourne Park.
The atmosphere was electric, the stakes were personal, and the tennis was often breathtaking. For Fritz, it was a professional job done against a childhood idol. For Wawrinka, it was a defiant, beautiful final stand on the court where he claimed his maiden Grand Slam title twelve years ago.
The Setup: A Clash of Generations
Coming into the match, the narrative was dominated by Wawrinka's "Last Dance." The 40-year-old, who announced that 2026 would be his final season on tour, had already rewritten the history books earlier in the week. By defeating French qualifier Arthur Gea in a grueling four-hour, 33-minute marathon in the second round, Wawrinka became the oldest man to reach the Australian Open third round since Ken Rosewall in 1978.
On the other side of the net stood Taylor Fritz, the world No. 9, appearing fresh, focused, and seemingly immune to the sentimental wave sweeping through the tournament. While Fritz had been nursing a minor knee issue coming into the season, his first two rounds were clinical. The contrast couldn't have been sharper: the battle-hardened veteran running on adrenaline and grit versus the prime athlete operating with calculated efficiency.
First Set: Vintage Stan the Man
The match began with a level of intensity that defied the ranking gap. Wawrinka vs Fritz has always been a matchup of heavy ball-striking, but the opening set saw the Swiss veteran summon the magic of 2014. His signature one-handed backhand—arguably the greatest shot in tennis history—found the lines with piercing accuracy, drawing gasps from the packed crowd.
Fritz served impeccably, sending down thunderbolts that kept him comfortably in his service games, but he couldn't shake Wawrinka in the rallies. The set moved inevitably to a tiebreak, where experience and crowd support lifted Wawrinka. At 5-5, he unleashed a searing backhand down the line to earn a set point, which he converted, sending the arena into a frenzy. For a moment, it seemed the "Stanimal" had one more miracle left in him.
The Turning Point: Fritz Finds His Range
However, the physical toll of a 40-year-old body fighting through consecutive high-intensity matches began to show in the second set. Taylor Fritz, recognizing the need to extend the rallies and move his opponent, adjusted his tactics. He began to target Wawrinka’s forehand and utilized his superior court coverage to prolong points.
The American broke early in the second set, silencing the crowd and shifting the momentum. Fritz’s serve became untouchable, and his errors evaporated. He raced through the set 6-2, leveling the match as Wawrinka’s movement visibly slowed, a hangover from his marathon effort two days prior.
Sets Three and Four: The Resistance and the Reality
The third and fourth sets were a testament to Stan Wawrinka's heart. Despite clearly struggling with fatigue, he refused to fade away. He shortened the points, going for high-risk winners that often paid off.
The pivotal moment came late in the third set. With Fritz serving at 4-5, Wawrinka earned a break point that doubled as a set point. The crowd rose to their feet, sensing a shift. But Taylor Fritz showed why he is a top-10 stalwart. He erased the danger with a precision ace and held nerve to hold serve. In the very next game, he broke Wawrinka and served out the set 6-4.
The fourth set followed a similar script. Fritz vs Wawrinka became a battle of serve and first-strike tennis. Wawrinka fought tooth and nail, saving match points with brave serving, but Fritz was relentless. The American broke at 4-4 and stepped up to serve for the match. There was no hesitation this time—Taylor Fritz closed it out 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4, 6-4, securing his place in the Round of 16.
An Emotional Goodbye
As the final ball was struck, the competitive tension instantly dissolved into mutual respect. The two men embraced at the net, with Fritz offering warm words to the three-time major champion.
"I’ve looked up to Stan for a long time," Fritz said in his on-court interview. "I know he’s playing well... it’s so impressive the level and just the physicality he’s still bringing at 40. It was an honor to share the court with him for his last match here."
For Wawrinka, the ovation was deafening. He stayed on court to soak in the applause, tears in his eyes, acknowledging the fans who had supported him for nearly two decades. It was a fitting send-off for a player who gave everything to the sport.
What This Means for Taylor Fritz
While the night belonged to Wawrinka emotionally, the victory was crucial for Taylor Fritz. It demonstrated his maturity and ability to handle a hostile crowd and a legendary opponent without losing focus.
Advancing to the second week, Fritz looks dangerous. His serve is firing, his movement is sharp, and he has navigated a tricky emotional hurdle. He will now turn his attention to the fourth round, where the competition will only get fiercer. If he can maintain this level of composure, a deep run at the Australian Open is well within his grasp.
Conclusion
The 2026 Australian Open will be remembered for many things, but the image of Stan Wawrinka waving goodbye after a courageous battle against Taylor Fritz will stand out. It was a match that honored the past while ushering in the future. Fritz moves on, carrying the hopes of American tennis, while Wawrinka leaves Melbourne Park as a timeless champion who, even at the very end, never forgot how to fight.
FAQs
1. Who won the match between Taylor Fritz and Stan Wawrinka at the Australian Open 2026? Taylor Fritz won the match in four sets. The final score was 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. After losing the first set in a tiebreak, Fritz dominated the remainder of the match with superior fitness and serving.
2. Is Stan Wawrinka retiring after this match? Stan Wawrinka has announced that 2026 will be his final year on the ATP Tour. This match marked his last appearance at the Australian Open, but he is expected to complete the rest of the 2026 season before retiring.
3. How old was Stan Wawrinka during this match? Wawrinka was 40 years old. By reaching the third round, he became the oldest man to do so at the Australian Open since Ken Rosewall in 1978.
4. What is the head-to-head record for Fritz vs Wawrinka? Following this match, the head-to-head record is even closer, though historically Wawrinka led their earlier encounters. This victory was a significant win for Fritz in their rivalry.
5. What round of the Australian Open was this match? This was a Third Round (Round of 32) match. The victory allowed Taylor Fritz to advance to the Round of 16 (Fourth Round).
6. Did Taylor Fritz face any break points in the match? Yes, the most critical moment came in the third set when Fritz faced a set point on his own serve at 4-5. He saved it with a clutch serve and went on to win the set and eventually the match.
7. Who will Taylor Fritz play next? After defeating Wawrinka, Taylor Fritz advances to the fourth round. He will face the winner of the match between Lorenzo Musetti and Tomas Machac.
References
Tennis.com: Taylor Fritz excited for Australian Open clash with 40-year-old Stan Wawrinka. Available at: https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/taylor-fritz-excited-australian-open-clash-40-year-old-stan-wawrinka
ABC News: Australian Open: Stan Wawrinka vs Taylor Fritz Third Round. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-23/australian-open-stan-wawrinka-taylor-fritz-third-round/106261080
Blue News: Australian Open: Fritz too big for Wawrinka. 24 January 2026.
The Guardian: Stan Wawrinka wins marathon against Gea to make grand slam history at 40. 22 January 2026.
The Straits Times: Wawrinka goes down fighting in final Australian Open. 24 January 2026.
Action Network: Australian Open Day 7 Best Bets. Available at: https://www.actionnetwork.com/tennis/australian-open-day-7-best-bets-mens-predictions-fritz-vs-wawrinka-musetti-vs-machac
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