Stan Wawrinka is proving that age is just a number after the 38-year-old became the oldest male player to win at the US Open in 31 years.
Wawrinka produced a stunning display to win his first US Open match since 2019 as he defeated Japanese player Yoshihito Nishioka in straight sets during the first-round clash. As a result, the Swiss veteran became the oldest player to win a match at the Grand Slam since Jimmy Connors won at the tournament in 1992, aged 40.
As a reward for his progression, 2015 US Open champion Wawrinka will face world number 34 and Argentinian player Tomás Martín Etcheverry in the second round. After the win over Yoshihito Wawrinka said he can continue to advance at the Grand Slam and he remains positive about his game.
"I think I'm playing well. I'm not trying to compare from the past because it's never good idea to compare a few years ago what I was doing, But I'm happy with my level. I know where I am right now. I know I can beat some really good players. I can be really competitive. I'm moving well."
Wawrinka has been in decent form leading up to the US Open following a run to the final at the Croatia Open, which he lost to Alexei Popyrin. The Swiss player also reached the final 16 at the Cincinnati Masters in August before losing to Max Purcell.
While a push to the US Open final might be a stretch for Wawrinka this time around, the 38-year-old said he is cherishing every moment of the Grand Slam.
"You also want to push yourself for the maximum, be the better player, best as possible. Of course you're going to have up and downs in the career, with some positive emotions when you win, with some tough ones when you lose,"
"I never forgot why I start playing tennis and what I was dreaming when I was young, is to play US Open, to play those Grand Slams, big tournaments, ATP tournaments, to be there. I'm happy I can still play at that level."
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