Tennis star Novak Djokovic has paid a glowing tribute to Stan Wawrinka after he retired from the game on Saturday at the Australian Open.
Recall that the 40-year-old Wawrinka bid a final farewell to the Australian Open on Saturday in a battling third-round loss to Taylor Fritz.
The current season is his last before the three-time Grand Slam winner hangs up his racquet.
Speaking after his retirement, the Serbian, in a chat with Tennis Update, stated that Wawrinka’s legacy will never be forgotten in tennis.
“Proud to call him a friend and a rival and someone that definitely has inspired me.
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“I mean, no doubt with his longevity, with commitment to the game. He’s so passionate about it. His legacy will definitely stay and live with many different younger generations that look up to him.
“He’s a great champion on and off the court. I think it’s been a great farewell Australian Open for him with the crowd support and everything that has happened on the court.
“When he’s gone, tennis is going to lose a great player and a great person.”
Wawrinka made his debut at Melbourne Park in 2006 and won the major in 2014.
He also won the French Open a year later and the US Open in 2016 at a time when Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal were dominating men’s tennis.
