Stan Wawrinka Proves Himself a Reinvented Champion

Djokovic's game is not my favorite, but he ranks as one of the greatest sportsmen as well as one of the greatest champions. Always, always supremely gracious, win or lose.

Hats off to Stan! He was unbeatable on Sunday. Novak was clearly in pain and who knows if a healthy Novak would have beaten Stan on that court, on that day. No matter. But want I found hard to take was Patrick McEnroe's presumption that Novak was faking it. And when presented with clear evidence of a broken blister on his toe Patrick continued to disparage the man when the correct thing would have been to say "I stand corrected." Novak apologized to Stan from his seat; could not have been more gracious at the net at the end of the match and during the awards ceremony yet, that wasn't good enough for any of the commentators. Novak doesn't get the respect he deserves. Patrick should apologize. I hope he does.

Hagler - Hearns! That third set was comparison worthy. It seemed inconceivable that the two of them could sustain that kind of aggression without one getting knocked out.

One for the ages.

Stan deserved it- he's just freakishly calm in big matches. And speaking as a middle-aged hacker- there's very little I wouldn't give to hit that that one-handed backhand down the line for a winner. That shot is a gift from all the gods-

Stan Wawrinka and Samuel Beckett.
In January, 2014, when Wawrinka won his first major, the Australian Open, many of his fans, including me, noticed a bunch of words tattooed on he inside of his left forearm. My research revealed the words were Samuel Beckett's, from his tiny novelette, "Worstward Ho" (1983): "Ever failed.
No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better" (p. 7)
Beckett's narrator is courting failure as a writer to show that the zone of being he is exploring would only reward him with failure. Wawrinka, who had
not won a major before the 1914 Australian Open, was, on the other hand, hell bent on success when he entered the tournament in Melbourne. He not only won the tournament but went on to win two more majors: the French Open in 2015 and the U S Open in 2016. Why was Wawrinka fascinated with one of the bleakest passages about failure in Samuel Beckett while trying to succeed on the tennis courts? No one has asked him. that question. Not yet.
I am not sure the tattooed words of Beckett, full of mystery and meaning
to Beckettians, still adorn the left arm of the wonderful tennis champion Stan Wawrinka, who is also a scholar and a gentleman.

Out of all the times I've seen Djoker player, this was the one time where he seemed to have a legit injury. There have been so many other times where he's started holding his stomach, moping around, just as his opponent was getting the edge, playing gamesmanship rather than the game. Even so, I'm not sure that the feet were the main problem yesterday. Looked more like a strain in the hip. Would have appreciated it if this story had gone into that some more.
The commentators were talking about how a player can't get treatment for cramps. Would also have liked more background on that too. And can a player treat himself? If you bring a spray can of that stuff they use to "freeze" a spot, can you do it yourself?
But well-played, Stan. Definitely the tougher guy out there. And the flaws in Djoker's armor are starting to show--just hit big, hang tough, and don't get impatient. His shots begin to lose their punch after awhile.

The Open ended for me as many slams have with Nadal's health issues causing early losses. But I couldn't help but tune into the "Gentlemen's Final," as British tennis called the last event of Wimbledon where Mr. and Mr. played. And the match was at one-all. So, I was compelled to stay tuned. The first Novak injury break led me to believe he was likely to retire but that was because his body language seemed to indicate a possible groin pull, not toenail problems. But he soldiered on. I was sympathetic with Stan's concern knowing the break could affect his physicality--cramping, etc. But the second injury break made Stan's victory even more predictable. The opponents' collegiality during the trophy ceremony was heartwarming as they do such history together with Novak the overwhelming winner. And I must say, that when Stan was presented his winner's check for 3.5 million, I knew I would have to wonder what Novak received and the other quarter- and semi-finalists received. (Golf championships post the competitors' earnings down to the last one. Why not tennis?) Part of my enjoyment were camera shots of Magnus Norman, Warinka's coach, who was and is a gentleman. He never stood to cheer or applaud as Becker, Novak's coach did. The difference in sportsmanship was evident. Having been fortunate as a young visitor to England the summer of '75 and a houseguest of an older Brit who disdained an all-American final, it was thrilling to see Ashe defeat Connors.

What a refreshing site to behold: the beauty that is the one-handed backhand prevailing over the brawn that is the two-handed backhand. Stan, you are truly the man!

since modern tennis has challenges and instant replay, watching McEnroe might actually be boring -- who would he get to argue with?

Wawrinka was the last man standing. Literally. He looked super fit, and his backhand was just too brutal and beautiful. I'm happy to see folks winning in their 30s. I'm about that age, and just picked up tennis, and playing quite well. Finally, my heart longs for Nishikori to win the big one of these days. The amount of talent, mental toughness, and his likability, all of it would be such a waste if he doesn't.

good piece. This year's Open was one of the best. It would have even better had Kyrgios not been injured. The new generation is playing some excellent ball.

Djokovic 12, Wawrinka 3. Congrats, Stan, but you'll never be up in Novak's class

Yes- Djokovic is quite charming after the match- struggling to become likable, but his manner during matches continues to earn him less crowd support.
It is not sufficient to forgive athletes disturbing behavior because it must be seen as part of fierce competitive energy. Many great champions have found a way to win without shirt tearing, racket smashing, snarling at his box, sneering & smirking, insisting on a medical time out before an opponents serve in direct violation of the rules (which require the injury to be dire or wait for a fair break).
Maybe Djokovic did worry about playing the USO after crashing at the Olympics, but it is considered bad form to make an injury excuse at the trophy ceremony- undermining the winner's moment.
Federer & Nadal have often played with injuries and lost. But when they choose to show up, they shut up.

Harvey, is this your final tennis article? I have enjoyed them and wish you the best. See you at Susan's sometime!! Liz

Congrats to Stan. It's not easy living in the shadow of a legend...just ask Steve Young. But Sunday, Stan demonstrated what has won him a few Slams and a lot of fans: a sturdy, unrelenting ground game and modest court demeanor.

Great tennis. Stan, even as a journeyman, was a refreshing new(ish) site. There has been some chatter about the greatness, or not greatness, of McEnroe - you have to be kidding. Tennis without McEnroe was like eggs without salt. Yes, he could be crazy but there was Becker, Ilie Nastase, Ion Tiriac, Connors, etc. Tennis during those years was a little wild. When McEnroe thought about returning from one of his retirements, Connors begged him and promised to act as his coach if he returned. McEnroe decided not to return but when he mused that "Tennis needs me more than I need tennis" he was 100% correct. The man is gifted, amazing to watch and added salt to what would otherwise be one boring show. Watching Ivan Lendl play, despite his greatness, was like watching paint dry.

With modern technology, wouldn't it be something to compare the tennis ground strokes of today's men's champions with champions of yesteryear, such as Laver, Newcombe, Connors, Borg, etc. Just to see if the mechanics of the strokes has changed as much as the conditioning. I say men's just because they hit the ball harder than the women, but today's women's top players probably hit harder than most of the men of yesteryear.

A little disappointed to see the writer bowing to gender cliche in saying that Wawrinka did not look "tough" in his "fuschia tennis wear." Women wear blue, men wear pink, and colors have nothing to do with "toughness" or masculinity or athleticism, as the writer seems to say or just lazily to imply, going for the easy insult/amusing aside based on tired old stereotypes.

The tennis articles in the Times are superb.
Thanks for yet another.

I love both these guys and seeing their friendship and regard for each other gave me hope for our sad world on one the saddest of days we commemorate.

Stan takes a back seat to no player these days.
By his guts and hard work and attitude.
(Search Wawrinka tattoo and see what I mean - his attitude on his arm)

But, I have to mention that his victory in Australia over Nadal for the title involved Rafa almost unable to move because of back issues that came up during the match. No telling what would have happened sans that, but let's at least tell the whole story.

Same with Novak's impairment yesterday.
Sad to see that.
But, again, Stan has arrived - happily.
I just like peak health in both players.

Can anyone explain this - It seems the opposite is true.
“It’s so much more physical now because everything has slowed down,” he said. “The balls have slowed down; the courts have slowed down. That’s made the game evolve, and because of that, the athletes have had to physically evolve with it.”

Thanks.

The era of "The Great Four - Federer, Nadal, Zokovich and Murray" is coming ot an end. All GOOD THINGS come to an end. I hope to see some more thrills from these great fours before the next generation completely takes over.

Well done stan.
It was a good match.

Neither Nadal or Federer will win another slam, period.
Djoker will, but his physical style will break down his body before he matches the slam totals of the two above.
Wawrinka is too up-and-down to be a permanent thorn in Djoker's side, though he may win several more slams.

As a tennis player, I was so happy with both the men's and women's finals this year. Even though I had wanted Serena to be in the women's final, I found that both championships were amazing. Thank you to both Stan and Novak for an entertaining men's final, with many line-to-line points and down-the-line winners that so many of us can only dream of hitting, and to Karolina and Angelique for their one-break-per-set match.

In years past, men's tennis was ace, next point. Yesterday's match was so much more. It was real tennis.

My memories of those matches of McEnroe's era was that he was a more skilled tennis player than most professionals of his day, but that he was not championship caliber as even then he was outmatched by stronger and better conditioned athletes with fine tennis minds. But, he was able to stay in championship matches because he was willing to sink to the lowest level of personal behavior attempting to disrupt his opponents.

Agree with Phillippoussis, give any tennis player from a previous generation today's equipment, today's coaches and managers....and millions of dollars in potential winnings to shoot for and more than that in endorsements....and they would easily compete with today's players.

Wawrinka seems to have all the weapons what Djokovic can't beat. Plus, Wawrinka is phenomenal in finals (11 victories for 11 finals!) and the best mental strength of the ATP. Problem for the Swiss is that he is terrific against better seeded players but really struggles against low-ranked ones.

Let's not forget one's constitution. Joker is a miracle of work and will, but his body seems to betray him on a regular basis. Toenail problems? My word.

He gets all he can out of his body, but Federer, for example, is blessed with a demigodlike solidity. Of course he stays in shape, of course he eats right, and of course his dancer's balance allows him to avoid all of the car-crash spills that Novak regularly suffers on the court -- another oddity for a player of his caliber -- but sometimes it just comes down to being born strong.

Stan isn't ready for consideration for the GOAT Club but yesterday's men's final was high quality tennis with enough power, hot shots, shifts in tempo and momentum to satisfy any fan. Even though my heart will always root for Federer even if he has to get wheeled out onto the court, it is great to see Stan emerge from Fed's shadow and give Swiss fans another excellent player to support. As for Djokovic, he is clearly one of the best but today's tennis is ruthless on the body and mind. While he is capable of breaking the men's record for number of slams, age and opponents are going to make it a bigger challenge than most people think. I'm ready for more excellent matches among these amazing athletes.

I was delighted to watch Stan progress quietly through the Open to the championship. His looks and slightly hunched demeanor don't attract much media attention. Over the years he's most often been the player gathering his belongings and slinking off the court as the crowd applauds the winner. But his spirit of sportsmanship and quiet determination for constant improvement make him a true standard that all other players should admire.

Congratulations Stan! You're The Man, indeed!

Stan has been a great player for a few years now. His problem is focus in the lower level matches. When he makes the finals of a Grand Slam, he focuses.

A spectacularly steel-willed performance that no one saw coming.
Wow!
And two of tennis's worthy ambassadors. The graciousness of both of these men is something for all player to emulate.
I feel privileged to be around to watch the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic-Murray-Wawrinka era. It harkens back to the Borg era, without the brattish McEnroe antics, and far more classy.

The very best US Open ever, both men and women.

Djokovic has never been a crowd favorite with his showboating and his very insincere smiles to his box when he is losing. For all that, in the end, he is a gracious loser. But Stan deserves all the credit, doing something his compatriot Federer has been unable to do -- beating Djokovic in a Grand Slam final. Stan's sang froid was admirable, as was his ability to dig in and play the big points. It was this ability -- more than Djokovic's bad luck -- that allowed Stan to erase break point after break point. And anyone looking back to Djokovic's early days on the big stage will remember that he was a real head case. In the end, all the hyperbaric chambers and gluten-free diets and medical time outs could not cure what ailed him last night -- Stan was the better, tougher player.

Interesting article. Brings to mind the idea of getting to know someone makes them less scary. Djokovic is one scary tennis player. He is a great champion and great sportsmen as it turns out. I love watching Stan play as well.

While Wawrinka certainly outhit Djokovic in this match, this was one of the best defensive performances of his career. He was all over the court, extended rallies, and was much more efficient in converting his break-point chances.

As he now seems to be on a one-major-a-year pace, it'd be fitting for him to win Wimbledon next year and complete the Grand Slam.

You're absolutely correct about the fitness level of the players. I see everyone in Miami and they've begun looking more and more like thoroughbreds. Djokovic exemplifies this.., I compare him to an impala. BTW., love seeing Stan win! I'm a one-hand backhander myself.

Philippoussi is correct on McEnroe if Mac played today. Athletes, the top ones are tuned to the environment. They look for the points of difference in their games and then adjust and play.

Gretzky & Iverson are two other good examples.

The one thing Mac would not have to adjust is the combination of drive and mental capacity to comprehend the winning points of difference in the heat of the battle.

This was a wonderful finale. Stan is a gifted and strong player and at least for the moment, he has Djok's number. I felt early into the match that Djok was not up to par but then Stan was playing a beautiful game and Djok's game deteriorated in the last three sets.

Hopefully, this is not the beginning of Djok's diminishment. He is a great player. On the other hand, the new players are all astonishing in their own rights.

Does it also count as courageous that he left his wife and child because family was distracting him from being great? And then started dating someone who is 20 years old? I prefer the brand of courage practiced by Novak and Andy - happily married and talking about how being a father makes them more focused.

What a lame joke about Haagen-Dazs. I know McEnroe isn't a comedian, but I'm sure he must have some better anecdotes to regale his audience.

Djokovic and Wawrinka are incredible athletes and exemplary sportsmen, like the living legend Roger Federer. These guys (and gals) can be on the losing end of a 20-stroke rally involving great power and delicate touch and, as the winning shot goes past them, still applaud their opponent with their racket. Tennis is a gentle(wo)man's game played by very fit and dedicated players. Just imagine if football, soccer, or for that matter US political battles were waged with this sort of class and decency.

Wrist, shoulders, toes at the end, does anyone think Novak is breaking down physically a la Nadal?

Stan's brand of tennis is a pleasure to watch. Clearly tough as nails, but he has the human traits that make him easy to root for. I hope he continues to play at this level for several more years. Professional tennis would be less enjoyable without him.

Stan was 28, not 30, when he won his first major. And his delay ascending to the top was more to do with the Big Three. Andy and Stan are the second two, tied with three Grand Slams apiece. The GOAT tennis club requires 10 slams for admission.

Wonder if Novak regrets revealing his training secrets to Stan?