It was the 2016 US Open. Novak Djokovic was the defending champion and one of the favorites to win the tournament. However, in his path stood the mighty Swiss. But it wasn’t his archrival Roger Federer. It was Stan Wawrinka. The now 38-year-old produced one of his best displays to triumph over Djokovic. It was his maiden US Open title and a special one, as he had made a comeback after being down in that match. The energy-sapping match nearly lasted for four hours and Wawrinka once revealed how it had affected him.

In hot and humid conditions in New York, Djokovic and Wawrinka enthralled fans with neck-to-neck fight. Later, the Swiss star made a candid revelation about his physical and mental state.

Stan Wawrinka suffered a panic attack

The three-time Grand Slam champion’s words after his massive win resurfaced on social media recently. Wawrinka was all exhausted and in a sorry physical state after giving his best.

Opening up about it, he said, “A lot of people are asking me how I was able to take the court, nonchalantly, when five minutes prior to that I had a panic attack and I was trying to hold back tears.” 

Further, he went on to add, “I’ll tell you. I ‘hurt’ myself. I tried to extend rallies as much as possible… My legs hurt so much. I even screamed at my box, ‘I can’t make it. I’m dead. My legs are gone.'”

Wawrinka has often been overshadowed by his countryman, Federer. A big-match player, Wawrinka delivered it big when it mattered the most. Over the years, Djokovic and Wawrinka have formed an intriguing rivalry. The latter once revealed why Djokovic feared him on tennis’ biggest stage.

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When Wawrinka felt Djokovic feared him at Grand Slams

During the 2013 Australian Open, the Serb got the better of Wawrinka in a closely fought contest. While Djokovic was the hot favorite to win that year, Wawrinka gave him a run for his money. Later, he revealed why Djokovic feared him at Grand Slams.

On this front, the 38-year-old said, “Novak was always the one of the ‘Big Three’, I liked playing against the most. His play suits me the most even though he has beaten me more times than I can count. I know he fears me, mostly in Grand Slams!”

Coming to this year’s US Open, Wawrinka has entered the third round of the tournament and is currently facing Jannik Sinner of Italy. Can he be the surprise package at this year’s US Open? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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