Written by Richard Pagliaro | @Itenisi_Manje | Monday, July 1, 2024
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty
Stan Wawrinka he spends his golden years of tennis enjoying constant love.
The three-time Grand Slam champion won the British wild card Charles Broom6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in his Wimbledon opener to make history.
More: Shoulder Injury Knocks Sabalenka Out of Wimbledon
Entering his 71st career Grand Slam, Iron Man Stan Wawrinka became the 10th man in Open Era history to reach the second round of Wimbledon aged 39 or older.
From the Hall of Famer and analyst for ESPN Cliff Drysdale back in 1980, only three men aged 39 or older had advanced to the second round of Wimbledon: Dr. Ivo Karlovic in 2018 (39 years old 137 days) and 2019 (40 years old 136 days), Roger Federer in 2021 (aged 39 years 337 days) and Wawrinka.
Stanislas Wawrinka wins with a backhand The Championships knows, and loves 😍#Wimbledon | @stanwawrinka pic.twitter.com/Ytto7oGPKJ
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2024
At 39 years, 108 days, Wawrinka says there is a simple reason for continuing to play: He loves tennis and shows his passion on the court.
“I still enjoy what I do. I love playing tennis,” Wawrinka told the media at Wimbledon today. “I love getting the chance to play in the biggest tournaments in the world. Yes, I didn’t have the best result this year. But since I enjoy what I do, I think there is enough reason to keep playing.”
While many players his age have already left the Treadmill to have families and pursue other interests, Wawrinka says he is living a dream and doesn’t want it to end.
“I don’t want to go home. Playing tennis was a dream when I was young,” said Wawrinka. “Being a professional athlete was a dream, now I’m here, there’s no way I’m going to stop because I’m bored.
“I love what I do. I am passionate about this sport. I want to keep pushing myself as much as possible and see where I can go.”
Wawrinka will try to continue his Wimbledon streak against the veteran Gael Monfils in the second round shooter battle.
The 22nd-seeded Monfils won the first round of the all-French left-hander. Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.
37-year-old Monfils and 39-year-old Wawrinka have split six fights, could this seventh meeting be their last Slam match?
Playing his 18th Wimbledon, Wawrinka said he is fully invested now.
“Yes, it’s good to be back. I’m happy to be back here and win the first match,” said Wawrinka. “It’s not an easy match, but I’m happy to go through in three sets.”
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