Grand Slam Winner Stan Wawrinka Chooses Glorious Way To Bid Farewell To Australian Open Fans — A Beer

A class act who loves his beer … brilliant.

Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam winner, had only one request after competing Saturday in his very last Australian Open match of his career: a beer.

The 40-year-old Wawrinka, who intends on retiring at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign, fell to No. 9 seed Taylor Fritz in the third round by a score of 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. By advancing to the third round, Wawrinka became the first man aged over 40 to get to that stage of a Grand Slam since Ken Rosewall, who accomplished the feat at the Australian Open in 1978.

Once the match concluded, Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley went to the court to join Wawrinka for a ceremony that was accompanied by a short tribute played on the John Cain Arena stadium screen. When the ceremony was over, Wawrinka got on the microphone to speak with the crowd. (RELATED: Liberal Reporter Fails Miserably At Another Attempt Of Ruining Australian Open With Anti-American Questioning)

“Normally, we talk on court after a final. Today is not a final, so I won’t make it too long,” said Wawrinka. “Thank you for the wild-card invitation … to have one last chance to say goodbye to the people in Melbourne.

“It was my last time as a tennis player here, unfortunately. I had so many emotions here the last 20 years. I’m sad to leave, but it’s been an amazing journey.”

Wawrinka, who captured his first of three Grand Slam championships at the 2014 Australian Open, wanted to mark his last moments on an Australian Open court by enjoying a beer.

“Now, I can enjoy. If you don’t mind, I’d like to share a beer with Craig,” said Wawrinka.

WATCH:

A lifetime of Melbourne memories.

Cheers, @stanwawrinka 🍻@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/VdjFWTR5k3

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2026

Congratulations, Stan Wawrinka, on one hell of a career! I wish I could’ve been there to sip a beer with ya!