Stanislas Wawrinka couldn’t have asked for an happier return to the Happy Slam. After losing to Novak Djokovic in a five sets thriller in last year’s 4th round, the swiss ranked #8 won his first sets against Rafael Nadal to become the third swiss player to win a Major title in the Open Era. He is now the newest crowned Australian Open champion.
Looking to become the first player ever to defeat both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the same major tournament, Wawrinka started well, hitting powerful shots and chasing the break. His tennis seemed to be enough to deal with Nadal’s topspin today but in the middle of the second set the spanish felt some pain on his back, which forced him to receive medical treatment. After some minutes spent in the locker room with the trainer, Nadal was back in the court, got booed and managed to win the set. Despite the lost of concentration, Wawrinka woke up in time to break again and hold for one more time.
With his arms raised, the swiss then ran to the net and changed some words with his opponent. As humble as Li, yesterday’s women’s champion, Wawrinka was quiet amused with all the things going on in that moment. Rafa, on the other hand, was closest to tears than never, but afterwall it was time to see Pete Sampras give the new world n.3 the champion’s trophy.
“Last year was crazy match, I lost it and was crying a lot after the match. This year I still don’t know if I’m dreaming”, Wawrinka said already with the trophy on his hands. “It’s an amazing slam to play. Thanks to the fans. This year was abig battle and you always support me. See you in 12 months.”
Next monday, the 28yo swiss will be ranked #3 for the first time in his career, setting a new personal record and becoming swiss number one for the first time, ahead of Federer (#8
