Swiss tennis veteran Stan Wawrinka, a former Australian Open champion and a wildcard entry, has rallied to secure his spot in the second round of the Australian Open 2026. At 40 years old, and having announced that this will be his final season on the ATP Tour, Wawrinka demonstrated remarkable resilience on Monday, January 19, 2026. Playing against Serbia's Laslo Djere, Wawrinka fought back after losing the first set, ultimately winning the grueling four-set encounter with a score of 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4). This victory is particularly significant as it marks Wawrinka's first win at the Australian Open since 2021 and his first Grand Slam match victory since Wimbledon 2024. The match, held on Kia Arena, saw Wawrinka receive overwhelming crowd support, which he credited for his performance. Ahead of the tournament, Wawrinka was awarded one of the last remaining wildcards for the men's singles main draw, highlighting his enduring legacy and fan appeal. His triumph over Djere means he will now face 21-year-old French qualifier Arthur Gea in the second round, who surprisingly defeated the 17th seed Jiri Lehecka. Wawrinka's emotional win, characterized by his trademark power and competitive spirit, underscores his determination to enjoy his farewell season while still competing at the highest level.