In a stunning turn of events, Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka upset top-ranked Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in the final of the Australian Open 2014 to clinch his maiden Grand Slam title. This is the first time since 2009 where a player other than Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray or Novak Djokovic has emerged as a Grand Slam singles champion.
The title victory will propel Wawrinka’s ranking to world number three. He also begins his stint as the new Swiss number one player as the ranking of his compatriot, Roger Federer, will drop to world number eight on Monday. Wawrinka brings home $2.65 million in prize money while Nadal settles with $1.325 million for the runner-up finish at Melbourne Park.
For me [the Australian Open] is the best Grand Slam ever,” said Wawrinka. “Last year I had a crazy match, lost it and was crying a lot after the match. In one year a lot happened. Right now I still don’t know if I’m dreaming or not, but we’ll see tomorrow morning.
“It’s quite crazy what’s happening right now. I never expected to win a Grand Slam. I never dreamed about that because for me, I was not good enough to beat those guy.”
A back injury experienced by Nadal in the second set caused more drama in the remainder of the match. In the third game of the second set, Nadal took a medical treatment off the court.
“I’m really sorry for Rafa, I hope his back will be fine,” said Wawrinka. “He’s a great guy, a good friend and an amazing champion. It’s always a pleasure to play him. Well done on the comeback to No. 1.”
As for Nadal, he’s happy for Wawrinka’s win, though he couldn’t help but be disappointed with the loss of a Grand Slam that could have been his 14th.
“I’m very happy for Stan, we have a great relationship,” said Nadal during the trophy presentation. “It was bad luck what happened to me today, but he really deserved it.
“It’s been an emotional two weeks. I’ve very sorry it finished this way. I tried very hard. Last year it was a very tough moment when I didn’t have the chance to play here. This year was one of the most emotional tournaments of my career.”
Wawrinka became the first male player since 1993 to have defeated the top two seeds in the tournament. The Swiss player outlasted Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals and Nadal in the final. This is the first since Sergi Bruguera did the same feat back at the 1993 French Open.
