It’s only fitting that Stan Wawrinka’s last trip to the Australian Open included at least five classic sets.
Wawrinka, the 2014 Melbourne champion who is retiring at the end of this season, advanced to French qualifier Arthur Gea 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(3) in the second round on Thursday evening. The 40-year-old has the power to defeat his opponent after four hours and 33 minutes.
“I’m tired,” Wawrinka laughed when asked during his on-court interview how he was feeling. “Like I told you, it’s my last Australian Open – so I’m trying to stay as long as possible. I’m not young anymore, so I need [crowd] strength. It’s an amazing feeling to be in this court and we’re getting amazing support.”
Wawrinka is the all-time Open Era leader in five sets. On Thursday he recorded his 58th, and owns a 31-27 record in such situations. Several of those are memorable performers at Melbourne Park against Novak Djokovic.
Speaking of Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian and 10-time Aussie Open champion once again advanced to the last 32 on Thursday afternoon. He defeated Italian player Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. The veterans and former slam champions didn’t stop there, as 37-year-old Croat and 2014 US Open winner Marin Cilic eliminated Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.
Five highlights from day 5:
Australian Open Day 5 results
Stan Wawrinka d. Arthur Gea 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(3)
Novak Djokovic d. Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
Marin Cilic d. Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 6-3, 6-2
Jannik Sinner d. James Duckworth 6-1, 6-4, 6-2
Lorenzo Musetti d. Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-3, 6-4
Karen Khachanov d. Nishesh Basavareddy 6-1, 6-4, 6-3
Valentin Vacherot d. Rinky Hijikata 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
Ethan Quinn d. Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-1
Botic van de Zandschulp d. Jerry Shang 7-8(6), 6-2, 6-3
Taylor Fritz d. Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-4, 7-6(4)
Ben Shelton d. Dane Sweeney 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
Casper Ruud d. Jaume Munar 6-3, 7-5, 6-4
Jakub Mensik d. Raphael Jodar 6-2, 6-4, 6-4
Luciano Darderi d. Sebastian Baez 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3
Tomas Machac d. Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(5)
Eliot Spizzirri d. Yibing Wu 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(4), 4-6, 6-3
