Stan Wawrinka has received a wildcard to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking his third and likely his last shot at Olympic glory. This event holds special significance for Wawrinka, especially as he competes without his friend and compatriot, Roger Federer, by his side. As he gets ready for his final Olympic expedition, Wawrinka remembers with nostalgia the incredible moment of winning doubles gold with Roger Federer in 2008—a high point of his remarkable career.

In 2008, the Swiss men won the gold in doubles tennis at the Beijing Olympics, making it one of the most memorable victories in Olympic history. In addition to the accomplishment itself, this win is renowned for Federer’s amusing gesture of warming his hands over an incensed Wawrinka, who was lying flat on his back.

The Swiss pair’s happiness and friendship were caught in this moment, cementing their achievement in Olympic history. Ahead of the Olympics in Paris, Wawrinka looked back on the same and shared it on Twitter. Along with that, “Can’t wait to be part of the @swissteam again at the @Olympics Paris 2024.”

The Swiss tennis player participated in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, but owing to a back problem, he missed Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. He also had to take a long break after surgery on his left foot. Now, Wawrinka’s failure to add to his Olympic legacy as a result of these losses makes his return to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris all the more important as he looks to maximize this last chance to compete on the biggest platform in the world.

The 39-year-old tennis player called winning the gold medal at the Olympics “one of the happiest moments in my career.” Wawrinka is unwavering in his resolve to compete in another Games, even though a podium result in Paris 2024 may seem improbable right now.

He stated, “It is a big motivation. Of course I would love to be in Paris. I would love to play again in the Olympics.[The] Olympics is not only about tennis, it’s about sport in general. You can spend some time with different, athletes, different sports, and it’s super important for me. I’m a big sports fan and I love to take time with other athletes.” However, last year, he recalled teaming up with the 20-time Grand Slam champion, for the 2008 Olympics.

Stan Wawrinka talks about pairing with Roger Federer

Teaming up with the 42-year-old tennis player, to create history and represent his country, the 39-year-old shared his fond memories. Wawrinka said, “For me, it was a chance to have Roger in the same country… I had the chance to practise with him and he became a friend.” 

On the other hand, he also added, “The Olympics are something that any athlete in any sport dreams about, to play individually, but [playing] doubles and to feel like a team it was super special.” Their winning doubles gold in Beijing 2008, together with the lively celebration that followed, is proof of their lasting relationship and mutual success. He will surely be motivated and inspired by these sentimental recollections as he takes the court for the last time, which will give his final Olympic voyage a touching touch.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the Wawrinka-Federer pair? Do let us know in the comment section below.