Stan Wawrinka, 40, Reaches Australian Open Third Round

At 40 years old, Stan Wawrinka just reminded the world that champions never truly retire.

The Swiss tennis legend fought through a grueling four-and-a-half-hour, five-set marathon at the Australian Open, becoming the first player to reach the third round of a Grand Slam after turning 40 since Ken Rosewall in 1978. Facing 21-year-old French qualifier Arthur Gea, Wawrinka twice came from behind to force a fifth set before winning 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6.

But this isn't just a farewell tour for the three-time Grand Slam champion. Wawrinka made it clear he's still fighting to win, not just to wave goodbye.

"I'm always going to fight and leave everything on the court," Wawrinka told the crowd after his comeback victory. The 2014 Australian Open champion, who plans to retire at the end of 2026, has turned his matches into celebrations, conducting the crowd to make more noise after each point.

And he's not alone in defying Father Time. Seventeen years after they first appeared together in the third round in Melbourne, Wawrinka is joined by 38-year-old Novak Djokovic and 37-year-old Marin Cilic, all still competing at the highest level of tennis.

The Melbourne crowd has given Wawrinka roaring support throughout his run. After his marathon match, the veteran joked about his recovery plan: "Maybe I'm going to pick up a beer. I deserve one!"

Why This Inspires

Wawrinka's performance shows that dedication and passion can overcome what society tells us are limits. While modern sports often celebrate youth, these veterans prove that experience, heart, and smart training can keep dreams alive well beyond expected expiration dates.

Cilic, who will face Casper Ruud in the next round, credited science and better body care for allowing older players to compete longer. "I feel we are in such a great time where guys can still play great tennis at 35, 36, 37," he said.

Wawrinka faces ninth seed Taylor Fritz on Saturday, carrying the energy of thousands of fans who believe in second acts and never giving up.