Stan Wawrinka, 40, is set to make a remarkable comeback to the Top 100. The Swiss tennis legend, who plans to retire this season, is making waves with his recent victories. He's currently ranked 98th in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, and will be back in the Top 100 for the first time since July 2024. But here's where it gets interesting: Wawrinka's age is a talking point. At 40, he'll be the oldest man in the Top 100 by more than two years. That's right, he's beating the odds and challenging the notion that age is just a number in tennis.
His recent performance at the Australian Open was a testament to his enduring talent. Wawrinka became the oldest man since Ken Rosewall in 1978 to reach the third round in Melbourne. He defeated Laslo Djere and Arthur Gea in five-set matches, showcasing his resilience and skill. But it's his win against 17-year-old Thijs Boogaard at the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam that's making headlines. This match had the second-largest age gap in ATP Tour and Grand Slam history, only behind Dominic Thiem's win over Thomas Muster in 2011. Wawrinka's victory against Boogaard was a true testament to his ability to compete at the highest level, regardless of age.
Wawrinka's journey to the top is an inspiring one. He reached a career-high No. 3 ranking in the PIF ATP Rankings after winning his first major title at the Australian Open in January 2014. Now, at 40, he's proving that age is just a number and that experience and determination can take you far. With his 41st birthday approaching, Wawrinka is a shining example of how age can be a strength in sports, and he's inspiring a new generation of athletes to challenge their limits.
