Fritz ends Wawrinka’s final Australian Open campaign

Taylor Fritz defeated Stan Wawrinka 7–6(5), 2–6, 6–4, 6–4 in the Australian Open third round. The match at John Cain Arena ended the forty-year-old Swiss player’s final Melbourne campaign after twenty years of memories that included the 2014 singles title.

Wawrinka challenged Fritz despite the effort of a four-and-a-half-hour second-round victory. He took the second set, then received an off-court medical timeout after the third. Fritz, carrying his own knee concerns, struck thirty aces under the closed arena roof.

After the contest, tournament director Craig Tiley presented Wawrinka with a gift and joined a farewell celebration. A video recalled the former champion’s title, and Wawrinka thanked supporters before completing a lap of the court. Fritz praised his opponent’s enduring commitment.