On Switzerland’s tennis trailblazing adventure, Stanislas Wawrinka, a Swiss tennis player, rose to fame under the shadow of Roger Federer and paved his own way. Both of them made Switzerland a household name in men’s tennis. While the iconic Swiss tennis legend’s journey was quite obvious, the 38-year-old former World No. 3 also managed to follow in his footsteps and accomplish a lot in his own right.

Battling the Big Four throughout his career, Stan faced formidable clashes that pitted him against some of the greatest players in the Open Era. Nevertheless, it didn’t alter the way he looked at the 41-year-old tennis icon with whom he captured the 2008 Olympic doubles gold. In fact, now that Federer has left the tennis circuit, Wawrinka did something similar to his compatriot following his latest triumph in Switzerland. However, he put his own little twist to the celebration.

Roger Federer inspired Stan Wawrinka’s unique victory celebration 

On Sunday, the 23rd of July, three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka and his partner, Dominic Stephan Stricker, took home the men’s Doubles title at the Swiss Open. For the former World No. 3 player, the victory was quite special. Battling to return from his injuries this year, Stan has seen more than his fair share of ups and downs.

However, following his most recent success, the 38-year-old celebrated in a heartwarming way. Making sure to honor and respect the hard-working ball kids in his home country’s tournament, he sprayed them with champagne! One can fondly remember how Federer too used to involve the ball kids when celebrating such wins. The 20-time Grand Slam champion celebrated his maiden victory at the Swiss Indoors championship with ball kids by treating them to a pizza party. This spontaneous celebration later became an endearing off-court tradition.

Nevertheless, this win was quite special. It was the 38-year-old tennis player’s first doubles title after the 2013 Chennai Open. He didn’t celebrate his earlier victories extravagantly and instead preferred to keep them modest. However, winning a championship after ten years practically demands a unique celebration, since it is all the more special.

Although Stan’s victory was certainly unique, it was inspired by his compatriot, Roger. In Federer’s latest encounter with the ball kids, just prior to Wimbledon, he effusively praised their effort and commitment on the tennis court.

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When Federer celebrated the ball kids’ hard work 

The Princess of Wales Kate Middleton and the Swiss tennis star gathered earlier this month to honor the incredible effort and commitment the ball kids made during Wimbledon. They were featured in The Times YouTube video where they played tennis with the ball kids.

In the video, Federer displayed his immense tennis knowledge as he recalled how he himself started in professional tennis as a ball boy. Federer’s humble approach to recognizing the ball kids is an example for other tennis players, including his fellow Swiss citizen. Do you remember any such accounts of other players? Let us know in the comments!

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