Stan Wawrinka still signed some autographs after his loss to Mannarino. 10 years after he won the Australian Open in 2014. A class act in every way. 🥹
Stan Wawrinka has no plans to retire from the sport anytime soon amid talks of Andy Murray hanging up his racquet after an early defeat at the 2024 Australian Open.
Wawrinka looked on course to pass a tough test against Adrian Mannarino but failed to prevail as he lost 11 out of the last 12 games to be defeated 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-0. Sealing victory a decade ago at this tournament, he will be under the illusion that time isn't on his side but isn't crestfallen after defeat.
"I was playing well, tough conditions against a tough player," said the 38-year-old.
"Couldn't really push myself more. I didn't do the work I wanted in the off-season because I got injured in the last tournament. So it was a race a bit to come back here. But I'm quite happy with the 10 days I had here (in Australia)."
Asked about his own personal retirement, he has set an aim to return to Australia next year for the next edition of the Grand Slam and says there is still opportunity for him to push on and seal some more good results so isn't yet turning his back on his career.
"Hopefully not. I will see how the year goes. It's just the beginning of the year. In general, I'm quite positive with where I am right now. Even after the loss, I think there is some good opportunity for me to keep pushing, keep playing some good result, and hopefully I can come back next year."
Stan Wawrinka still signed some autographs after his loss to Mannarino. 10 years after he won the Australian Open in 2014. A class act in every way. 🥹