Stan Wawrinka said his Australian Open farewell was more than he could have ever anticipated after his run came to an end.

Wawrinka, who won the Australian Open in 2014, is retiring later this season.

The 40-year-old became the oldest man to reach the third round of the Australian Open since Ken Rosewall in 1978, but he was unable to continue his streak on Saturday.

Wawrinka pushed Taylor Fritz hard, but the American prevailed 7-6 (7-5) 2-6 6-4 6-4.

"My mindset was what I have been saying, I'm not doing the year to just say goodbye in tournaments," Wawrinka said.

"It's my last year, so of course when I'm going to lose in a tournament, it's going to be a goodbye for this tournament, but my mindset is still a competitor and I always want to push myself.

"I'm trying to find the balance between competitor, trying to win, but at the same time enjoying those moments with the fans, with the atmosphere. And here it was more than I could expect with the support. Every match was something really special, and I really appreciate that.

"This for me was a great two weeks, three weeks, between here and [the] United Cup. The level was great. I can see that I'm competitive, that I'm feeling good on the court, that I can win some good matches, play against the top players. It's exactly what I'm looking for.

"This doesn't change my goal for the year. It's always going to be to push my limit. Because I played well these three weeks, does not mean that I'm going to win a lot of matches in the next few months. But at least I know my level and what I can still do, and I'm happy with that."

Stan's final winner at the Australian Open...

A one-handed backhand @wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/LdEQ7sPa8S

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2026

Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, paid tribute to Wawrinka.

"Proud to call him a friend and a rival," said Djokovic after claiming his record-setting 400th grand slam match win.

"Someone who definitely has inspired me, no doubt, with his longevity, with his commitment to the game. He’s so passionate about it. It’s a testament to his career and what he brought to the court.

"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, a very likeable guy. He did everything the right way. He deserved every applause.

"I think it’s been a great farewell Australian Open for him. When he’s gone, tennis is going to lose a great player and a great person."