Stan Wawrinka produced a spellbinding run to reach the Australian Open third round, before losing to Taylor Fritz in four sets.
Wawrinka, who was playing in his final Australian Open tournament, defeated Laslo Djere and Arthur Gea at the event.
After losing to Fritz in the third round, Wawrinka paid tribute to the Australian Open and its fans, claiming the moment was more than he could have expected.
Who has impressed you most so far at the Australian Open?
The Swiss legend is in the midst of his final campaign on the ATP Tour after a 24-year career, and is set to continue his journey at the Montpellier Open today.
Ahead of his first match in France, Wawrinka’s participation in another tournament was confirmed.
Stan Wawrinka is set to play in the Gstaad Open
In a post on the Gstaad Open’s Instagram page, a spokesperson for the event announced Wawrinka’s inclusion in the main draw of this year’s competition.
A ‘farewell party’ is set to take place on July 12 – two days before Wawrinka plays his first match in the Swiss town.
The spokesman said: “Stan Wawrinka will play the main draw for the 14th and final time in the Roy Emerson Arena. From unforgettable battles to historic moments, this summer will be about tennis, emotion and saying thank you to a legend.
“The three-time Grand Slam champion will play his first singles match on Tuesday, July 14. On Sunday, July 12, the organisers are planning a farewell party in honour of Wawrinka, to which everyone is invited!”
Wawrinka [pictured below in 2006], has never won the Gstaad Open in 14 attempts, reaching the final once in 2005.
In that tournament, Wawrinka defeated Filippo Volandri, Fernando Verdasco, Frantisek Cermak and Razvan Sabau, before losing to Gaston Gaudio in the final, 6-4, 6-4.
Wawrinka’s first match at the Gstaad Open
In 2002, 17-year-old Stan Wawrinka made his ATP Tour qualifying debut at the Gstaad Open.
Wawrinka received a wildcard for the event, and was pitted against eighth seed Lovro Zovko in the first round.
Unfortunately for the youngster, he was defeated 6-4, 6-0 by the Czech player.
Alex Corretja went on to win the event, defeating Gaston Gaudio in the final.
If you were in charge of tennis, what is the first rule you would change?
A year later, Wawrinka competed in his first main-draw match at the Swiss event. Wawrinka was defeated in the first round by Jean-Rene Lisnard, 2-6, 6-1, 7-5.
In 2004, Wawrinka again lost in the first round, this time to Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo. The following year – as mentioned previously – Wawrinka reached the final at the event.
