(VIDEO) "Pure joy" for young fan with a disability as he trains with Stan Wawrinka

Stan Wawrinka fulfilled his promise to a fan with a disability by training together at the Paris Masters.

The former world No. 3 traveled to Paris for the last Masters 1000 of the year but suffered a defeat in the opening round against Dominic Thiem, another Grand Slam champion, by a score of 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. Wawrinka leaves the tournament with another first-round loss, marking his fourth in the last five tournaments.

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During a practice session, the Swiss player took the time to engage in some rallies with a fan with a disability. The young Frenchman, Arthur Delaye, who has a disability, shares videos of himself playing tennis and wrote to Wawrinka, expressing his wish to share the court with the 3-times Grand Slam champion. The Swiss tennis player even posed for some photos with the young fan

Arthur Delaye 🇫🇷🎾

@ArthurDelaye

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Legendary practice @stanwawrinka85 A photo that says it all. Thank you so much Stan for these few balls we shared together and for your kindness! Despite disability, always believe in your dreams.

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“THANK YOU CHAMPION @stanwawrinka85. Despite your disability, always believe in your dreams It was pure joy to share the court with Stan Wawrinka, tennis legend and champion of generosity! A moment that will remain engraved in my memory !.” Arthur Delaye wrote on X.

Arthur Delaye 🇫🇷🎾

@ArthurDelaye

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THANK YOU CHAMPION @stanwawrinka85 🎾🎾 Despite your disability, always believe in your dreams It was pure joy to share the court with Stan Wawrinka, tennis legend and champion of generosity! A moment that will remain engraved in my memory !

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The defeat in Paris leaves Wawrinka with just one tournament remaining for this season, which will be the ATP 250 Metz Open. The 38-year-old athlete currently ranks as world No. 52, even with the Paris-Bercy tournament still in progress.

Wawrinka will have a chance next week to fight for ending the year within the top 50, making him the oldest player within the top 150 in the world.

The Metz draw will be an opportunity that many of the best players will look to seize in order to earn points in the season's closing stages. The main draw features six players ranked within the top 15, with top favorites including Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, and Hubert Hurkacz.

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