Tennis legend Stan Wawrinka is defying age and critics alike, gearing up for a remarkable comeback at 40 years young. But is this a fairytale ending or a controversial twist?
The Swiss star, with five tour-level wins under his belt this season, is projected to re-enter the PIF ATP Top 100 Rankings on Monday. This resurgence comes after a standout performance at the Australian Open in January, where Wawrinka became the oldest man to reach the third round since the iconic Ken Rosewall in 1978. He defeated Laslo Djere and Arthur Gea in a thrilling five-set match.
Wawrinka's magic continued in Europe, securing main-draw wins in Montpellier and Rotterdam. His victory over 17-year-old Thijs Boogaard at the Rotterdam ATP 500 event showcased his enduring prowess, marking the second-largest age gap in ATP Tour and Grand Slam history, only behind Dominic Thiem's win over Thomas Muster in 2011.
Here's where it gets intriguing: At 40, Wawrinka will be the oldest player in the Top 100 by a significant margin. With his 41st birthday around the corner, he surpasses the likes of Novak Djokovic (38) and other elite players in their late 30s. The last 40-year-old to grace the Top 100 was Roger Federer in 2022.
Wawrinka's career-high ranking of No. 3 came after his first major title win at the 2014 Australian Open. But this time, his return to the top raises questions. Is age just a number in tennis? Are we witnessing a swan song or a new era of veteran dominance? Share your thoughts below!
