Watch: Wawrinka Celebrates With a Cold One After Final Australian Open Match

He came, he saw, he conquered (a few rounds), he thrilled (hundreds of thousands) and then, when his last Australian Open ball had been struck in anger, 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka cracked open a beer and toasted the crowd.

Can you say iconic?

40-year-old Wawrinka, who wowed the tennis world by becoming the oldest man to reach the third round at a major since 1978 at this Australian Open, fell to Taylor Fritz in four sets, 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, and afterwards was regaled on court by Tournament CEO Craig Tiley as the fans serenaded him.

The Swiss’ final winner of his Australian Open career was struck beautifully in the final game of the match, a sizzling backhand crosscourt at the end of a long rally that brought the faithful to their feet.

Though his Australian Open career has come to an end, Wawrinka still has lots of tennis to play. He won’t retire til the end of the season, and judging from the excitement he caused in Melbourne, plenty of wild cards will be forthcoming.

“Yeah, a lot of fun, that’s for sure. My mindset was what I have been saying, like, I’m not doing the year to say good-bye in tournament just to say good-bye,” Wawrinka said. “I’m doing the year, it’s my last year, so of course when I’m gonna lose in tournament, it’s going to be a good-bye for this tournament, but my mindset is still a competitor and I always want to push myself.

“I’m trying to find the balance between competitor, trying to win, but in the same time enjoying those moments with the fans, with the atmosphere. And here it was more than I could expect it with the support. Every match was something really special, and I really appreciate that.”

Three-time major champion Wawrinka, who defeated Rafael Nadal in the 2014 Aussie Open final for his first major title, finishes his Australian Open career at No.9 on the tournament’s all-time men’s singles match win list (45-19).

In his post-match presser, Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic paid heart-felt tribute to Wawrinka and his legacy.

“Proud to call him a friend and a rival and someone that definitely has inspired me. I mean, no doubt with his longevity, with commitment to the game. He’s so passionate about it,” Djokovic said of Wawrinka. “Just seeing him battle it out almost over four hours last match he played, the second round, the way he turned it around, it’s a testament to his career and what, you know, he brought to the court. His legacy will definitely stay and live with many different younger generations that look up to him.

“He’s a great champion on and off the court. Very likeable guy. He did everything the right way, and he deserved every applause he had this tournament…. Yeah, when he’s gone, tennis is going to lose a great player and a great person.”