MELBOURNE — The final chapter of Stan Wawrinka’s storied Australian Open career was written not with a trophy lift, but with the clink of a beer bottle. After bowing out of the tournament in a first-round, five-set epic against 20-year-old Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, the three-time Grand Slam champion shared a poignant and refreshingly human moment with Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley, toasting his Melbourne legacy with a cold one in the players’ garden.
A Warrior's Final Stand on Rod Laver Arena
The match itself was a microcosm of Wawrinka’s career: fiercely competitive, physically demanding, and brimming with moments of breathtaking power. The 38-year-old Swiss, playing with a protected ranking after years of injury battles, pushed the 20th seed to the absolute limit over four hours and 39 minutes. Ultimately, Mannarino’s resilience and Wawrinka’s fading legs told the story, with the Frenchman prevailing 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-0. As Wawrinka left Rod Laver Arena—the court where he won his second major title in 2014—he was given a prolonged, thunderous standing ovation, a clear acknowledgment from the Melbourne Park faithful that they were witnessing the end of an era.
In his post-match press conference, an emotional Wawrinka was reflective. "It was an emotional match. It was tough to finish a Grand Slam like this, but I'm happy with the fight I put in tonight," he said. He stopped short of declaring it his final Australian Open appearance, but the tone was unmistakably valedictory. "When you do everything to try to come back, and you are in a better place, you enjoy more the atmosphere, the crowd, the people... I don't know what the future holds, but this has been an incredible experience."
The Unplanned Toast That Captured a Legacy
The most telling scene, however, unfolded away from the cameras of the press room. As Wawrinka navigated the mixed zone and began his exit from the tournament precinct, he was intercepted by Craig Tiley. The tournament boss, understanding the weight of the moment, reportedly offered a simple gesture: a beer. The two then sat together at a table in the players’ area, sharing a drink and, undoubtedly, reminiscing about Wawrinka’s nearly two-decade-long history at the event.
A fan’s photo of the intimate moment quickly went viral on social media. It showed a weary but smiling Wawrinka, still in his match kit, leaning in to clink his bottle of Heineken with Tiley’s. The image resonated deeply because it stripped away the typical formalities of professional sport. This wasn't a champion being honored at a gala; it was a raw, authentic moment of mutual respect between a warrior and the architect of the arena he graced.
Tiley later explained the spontaneous act to reporters. "Stan's been coming here for 20 years. He's a champion of this event, a fan favorite, and an incredible ambassador for the sport. After a match like that, and the effort he put in, I just thought it was the right thing to do to have a drink with him and say thanks for everything he's given us." He emphasized that Wawrinka’s impact went far beyond his 2014 title, highlighting his relentless work ethic and the sheer spectacle of his single-handed backhand, a shot that became synonymous with power and precision at Melbourne Park.
Wawrinka's Melbourne Milestones
Stan Wawrinka’s connection with the Australian Open is one of the defining threads of his career. His journey in Melbourne is a tapestry of breakthrough performances, heartbreak, and ultimate triumph. To understand the significance of his farewell, one must look back at key moments that cemented his legacy:
- 2006: Announces himself by reaching the fourth round as a 20-year-old.
- 2013: Loses an epic five-set quarterfinal to Novak Djokovic 12-10 in the fifth, a match that proved he could battle with the very best.
- 2014: The pinnacle. Defeats Djokovic in another five-set quarterfinal, Tomas Berdych in the semis, and an injured Rafael Nadal in the final to win his first Grand Slam title. His post-match cry of, "My name is Stan, and I won the Australian Open!" is iconic.
- 2015: Returns as defending champion and loses a classic semifinal to Djokovic in five sets.
- 2017 & 2020: Reaches the semifinals again, losing to Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev, respectively, maintaining his status as a perennial threat.
More Than Just a Champion
Beyond the results, Wawrinka earned a unique place in the hearts of Australian fans. In an era dominated by the "Big Three," he was the ultimate disruptor—the blue-collar powerhouse with the tattooed mantra, "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better." He represented perseverance. His career, marked by a late bloom and a relentless comeback from a serious knee surgery in 2017, made his successes feel earned in a profoundly relatable way. The Australian Open crowd, known for appreciating grit and character, adopted him as one of their own.
A Fittingly Human Farewell
In the hyper-professional, often sterile world of modern tennis, the image of Wawrinka and Tiley sharing a beer felt like a return to the sport’s core humanity. It was a moment that acknowledged the shared journey—the tournaments organized, the matches played, the memories created. There was no corporate speak, no staged ceremony; just two men who have been part of the same story for 20 years, marking its conclusion with a simple, respectful gesture.
Wawrinka’s final act in Melbourne perfectly encapsulated his persona: unpretentious, authentic, and fiercely respected. While he may not have closed with a victory, he closed with his dignity and connection to the tournament fully intact. As the sun set on Melbourne Park that evening, the message was clear. Stan Wawrinka’s Australian Open story ended not with a trophy, but with something perhaps more enduring—a genuine moment of appreciation and a toast to a legacy forged in sweat, power, and unforgettable moments. The champion had left the building, but not before sharing one last drink with the boss.