After playing the “Best Match of the Year,” Stan Wawrinka finds himself in hot water. The 39-year-old tennis player defeated Andy Murray to start his French Open campaign on the right foot, but he was unable to go past the second round. Even after his devastating exit, the heartbroken Swiss star performed a generous act for a young fan.
Wawrinka had an unforgettable moment at Roland Garros, despite losing in the second round. The distraught Swiss player kindly gave his racquet to a small admirer after his defeat. Her face lit up with joy at the gesture, which transformed a dreary day into something special.
Stan Wawrinka gave his racquet to a young fan after his loss at Roland Garros.
Look at the smile on her face. 🥹
These are the moments.
Losing gracefully… a timeless champion. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/u256jH6dLX
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 29, 2024
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Even though the former third-ranked tennis player’s day didn’t turn out to be that great, he made sure that someone should have a good day walking back from the court. After the defeat against the Russian Pavel Kotov, as he thanked the fans amid all the cheers, the Swiss tennis star was overwhelmed with the love he had received from the French crowd.
Paris 🫶 Stan Wawrinka #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/itn4WnJBJp
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2024
Not only that, just a round before the heartbreak, he was head over heels for the victory that came against the 37-year-old tennis star, Murray. Wawrinka said, “I think I played my best match of the year. I think I was feeling good. I was moving well. I was playing aggressive. I liked the conditions, and I’m super happy with the performance and the level. It’s really positive for me.”
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These enduring rivals and fellow three-time Grand Slam champions squared up for the 22nd time in this match, reliving their thrilling semifinal matches from 2016 and 2017. Tennis fans may conclude that Wawrinka, 39, and Murray, 37, are really nearing the end of their storied careers because they met at the ATP Challenger event in Bordeaux last year.
But like Murray, 39-year-old Wawrinka admits that they may be approaching the end of their professional lives. Although everyone is aware of the British tennis player’s plans to retire, Wawrinka and Murray had a moving conversation as they looked back on their incredible careers.
Is Stan Wawrinka’s tennis career nearing an end??
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Even after having quite an extended exchange with Stan at the net afterward and kind of a warm embrace, the British tennis player who is quite sure about his retirement, his first-round opponent, recently revealed how he might also be there with his opponent.
He said, “Yeah, it was emotional, for sure. We’re getting closer to the end, and we played so many times over the last 20 years. A lot of emotion. Was amazing to be on the Chatrier night session, something I never had a chance to do. And, yeah, he’s (an) amazing guy, amazing player, such a big fighter.” However, the biggest question is, just like Rafael Nadal, did both of them unknowingly play their last match at the French Open? Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Stan Wawrinka’s defeats? Do let us know in the comment section below.