Swiss Tennis Veteran Stan Wawrinka Grabs Unique Feat as He Outlasts ‘Big Brother’ Roger Federer in a US Open Record Previously Held by Jimmy Connors

Stan Wawrinka and Roger Federer forged a precious bond over the past two decades. They went from being rivals and teammates on the ATP circuit to close friends off the court. The Swiss veterans won the Gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in doubles. The duo’s Swiss-style celebration after winning Gold for their country remains one of the most iconic moments in the sport. But now, Wawrinka, who was overshadowed by his compatriot for most of his career, equaled a record that evaded even the Swiss Maestro.

Stanimal got his hold on a unique US Open record that the American legend Jimmy Connors had previously held.

Stan Wawrinka reaches a record that was untouched for 32 years

In the second round of the US Open, Wawrinka defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who is 4 years younger than him. But this is no new feat to the Top-50 professional, as he has previously defeated Frances Tiafoe, over a decade younger than him. But the win against Etcheverry got him into the history books, as Connors’ 1991 US Open record resurfaced.

Connors remains the oldest man to reach the 3rd round of the Grand Slam event in Flushing Meadows. With his win against Etcheverry, the 3-time Major winner has become the second oldest player to reach the third round after over 3 decades. Taking note of the same, the Tennis Podcast on Twitter reported, “Stan The Man. The oldest man in the #USOpen third round since Jimmy Connors in 1991.”

After winning the third round, Connors celebrated his 39th birthday during the US Open. So Wawrinka can equal the record only during this year’s event in New York. Moreover, the ongoing Grand Slam tournament could be the Swiss star’s final appearance in the Big Apple.

Before the start of the tournament, the 38-year-old reminisced how Federer was a big part of his career while clearing the air around his retirement.

READ MORE: Moments After Shocking Us Open Win, Roger Federer’s 21YO Compatriot Goes Against the Very Fabric of Being Swiss With a Staggering Admission

Wawrinka unveils more intriguing details about his plans for the future

The former World No. 3 regarded ‘King Roger’ as his ‘Big brother’ and thanked Federer for the lessons he taught him. When the Swiss ace turned professional, Federer guided him as he was already on the top of his game. The losses against his compatriot were career lessons for Wawrinka as he continues to play his balanced game.

In an interview with the Spanish website, ‘La Nacion,’ Wawrinka confirmed that he won’t be playing for more years. But he also said that he still feels competitive and enjoys the game. As long as it lasts, Stan the Man will continue to defy the odds and set high standards for the upcoming generation.

The 2016 US Open winner will face Jannik Sinner, touted to become one of the present generation ‘Big 3’ players. The two have encountered 5 times in the past, with the Swiss ace winning 2 matches, one of which was in the US Open. But in the last 3 encounters, Sinner registered two straight-set wins against Wawrinka, both in 2023. This thrilling encounter will take place tomorrow. Who are you backing for the win?

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