Wawrinka Advances, Becoming the Second Oldest Man to Win a Match at Australian Open

Stan Wawrinka is not done yet.

The Swiss legend rallied past Serbia’s Laslo Djere on Kia Arena in Melbourne on Day 2, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) to became the second oldest player to ever win a men’s singles match at Melbourne Park.

40-year-old Wawrinka, who has announced plans to retire at the end of this season, got it done in three hours and 20 minutes behind the support of the 5,000 fans inside the arena.

2014 Australian Open champion Wawrinka, who made his Aussie Open debut in 2006, improves to 44-18 lifetime at the Australian Open, and 159-71 at the Slams.

“Because of you guys,” the three-time major champion said. “It’s been an amazing journey, so many memories here. It’s been incredible, the only reason I come back is because of the love that you give me. It was amazing today.”

Wawrinka will face either Jiri Lehecka or Arthur Gea in the second round.

“The passion is still intact,” Wawrinka said. “I’m always gonna fight, and hopefully I’m going to play a good match.”

Wawrinka powered 14 aces and won 86 percent of his first-serve points. He hit 35 winners and though he struggled to convert break points, winning just three of 18, he was good enough when it mattered most as he iced the match by playing a steady fourth-set tiebreak.