Stan Wawrinka shares beer with Tennis Australia boss to farewell Australian Open in wholesome moment
Updated . First published at
At 40, Stan Wawrinka had made an inspirational run to the third round of the Australian Open.
Considering the Swiss star's tenacity and determination, there would have been a self-belief within him that he could have toppled world No.9 Taylor Fritz.
But that doesn't mean he didn't come prepared to farewell Australia, bringing his own beers, which he shared with Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley.
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Stan Wawrinka and Craig Tiley share a beer. Nine
Wawrinka was beaten by Fritz 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 on John Cain Arena, which confirmed the end of his time in a tournament he'd previously won.
The 40-year-old was first interviewed by Wally Masur after the result and congratulated Fritz before thanking the crowd.
Masur then put Wawrinka's focus towards the big screen, where a special feature was broadcast.
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Tiley then took over the microphone for his own speech, which reminded Wawrinka that he's the oldest man to reach the third round since Ken Rosewall in 1978.
"I'm not sure it's the best statistic to have, but I will take it," Wawrinka said.
The three-time grand slam winner delivered his final words to the crowd before running to his esky, where he grabbed two beers and shared them with Tiley.
"Cheers, everybody, and thank you so much," he said.
A wholesome ending to a wonderful Australian Open career.
