Australian Open 2026: Swiss Ace Bows Out In Third Round With Defeat

Stan Wawrinka, who has decided to hang up his boots from professional tennis at the end of this year, bowed out of the 2026 Australian Open in the third round. The 40-year-old Swiss ace was beaten by sixth seed Taylor Fritz on Saturday. Fritz beat Wawrinka in four sets at the John Cain Arena. He won 7-6, 2-6, 6-4. 6-4 to reach the 4th round. Wawrinka had won the second set but Fritz fought back to win the third and fourth set, to clinch an important win and call curtains on the Swiss' AUS Open career.

Updated on: 24 January 2026 5:53 pm

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Taylor Fritz of the U.S. reacts after defeating Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

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Taylor Fritz, right, of the U.S. is congratulated by Stan Wawrinka, left, of Switzerland following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

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Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland waves as he leaves the court following his third round loss to Taylor Fritz of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

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Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland plays a backhand return to Taylor Fritz of the U.S. during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

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Taylor Fritz of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

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Taylor Fritz of the U.S. plays a forehand return to Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. | Photo: AP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

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