Tennis Legend Celebrates Last Australian Open With a Beer

After losing his final Australian Open match Saturday, 40-year-old tennis legend Stan Wawrinka had one request: a cold beer on the court where he made so many memories.

The three-time Grand Slam winner fell to ninth seed Taylor Fritz in the third round, but that wasn't the real story. Wawrinka became the first player 40 or older to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since 1978, proving age is just a number when you're chasing your passion.

Tournament Director Craig Tiley joined Wawrinka on court for a tribute ceremony at John Cain Arena. The crowd roared as the stadium screen showed highlights from his remarkable career in Melbourne.

"I had so many emotions here the last 20 years," Wawrinka told the crowd. "I'm sad to leave, but it's been an amazing journey."

Then came the moment that perfectly captured his down-to-earth spirit. "Now, I can enjoy," he said with a smile. "If you don't mind, I'd like to share a beer with Craig."

Wawrinka won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2014, launching a career that would earn him three major championships. Now, 12 years later, he returned to that same court to say a proper goodbye to the fans who witnessed his rise.

Even his opponent recognized the special moment. "It's amazing what he's out here doing," Fritz said after the match. "I have so much respect for the passion and the drive that it takes to be doing what he's doing this week."

Why This Inspires

Wawrinka's beer-on-court moment reminds us that champions are human too. He could have walked off quietly after the loss, but instead he chose to celebrate the journey, not just the wins.

His decision to keep competing at 40 shows the younger generation that loving what you do matters more than perfect results. The standing ovation and shared beer weren't for winning a title but for showing up, trying hard, and staying true to yourself.

Wawrinka plans to retire at the end of the 2026 season, but he's making sure every goodbye counts. Sometimes the most inspiring victories happen when you're brave enough to take a final bow with grace and gratitude.