Stan Wawrinka has been amongst the most prominent players on the tour in the past decade. A three-time Grand Slam champion, the Swiss reached his prime between 2013-2016. Going back in time, the former World No. 3 won his first major at the 2014 Australian Open. Being in devastating form, he outplayed the then World No. 1 in four sets.

While the Swiss celebrated the victory with utmost grace, not many know that he had not one but two opponents during the final. Heading towards the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, the 37-year-old spoke to a media house, recalling his 2014 Australian Open final against Rafael Nadal.

Stan Wawrinka describes his Australian Open clash against Rafael Nadal

Prior to the Australian Open, Stan Wawrinka had already made his mark by reaching the semifinals of the 2013 US Open, facing Novak Djokovic. Even though he suffered a 5-set loss to the Serbian, the loss largely acted as a major confidence booster.

Heading to the Australian Open, Wawrinka replicated his Flushing Meadows performance in Melbourne to reach his first ever major finals. It became even bigger with Rafael Nadal as his opponent.

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Recalling the time, Wawrinka said, “When I reached the final, I was just excited. Not once was I nervous in the run-up to that match. I mean, a Grand Slam final against Rafael Nadal, the No. 1 player in the world? This was so crazy for me that I had never even bothered to dream about it.”

Revealing the situation after the second set, Wawrinka admitted, “At the start I played amazing tennis. Rafa hurt his back a little — but he’s still Rafa, you know? Still fighting. Unfortunately, when I was two sets up, 6–3 6–2, my head got all messed up. I was like, Oh! Maybe I’m going to win a Grand Slam!” “Once you allow yourself to think that, you’re in big trouble,” he further added.

“That moment, another match started. I had to face two opponents: Rafa and myself,” Wawrinka said. 

The deciding moment of the finals

Recalling the finals, tables turned in the third set, with Rafa taking the set with complete ease. However, having the urge to win the title, it was a composed Wawrinka who struck back and took the set to win his first ever Grand Slam finals.

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After winning the championship point, Wawrinka had one of the most sober celebrations ever seen by a Grand Slam champion. When questioned later, the ever-graceful Swiss admitted, “…I don’t need to go crazy. I’m a shy person. It wouldn’t have felt natural. But I was relieved. I was happy.”