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Stanislas Wawrinka is the new Swiss tennis sensation who dumped Novak Djokovic out of the Australian Open in a classic quarterfinal match this morning, The Guardian reported.
Here’s what you need to know about this new star:
1. Wawrinka vs. Djokovic Marathon Lasted 4 Hours
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In a four-hour thriller, Wawrinka finally ended Djokovic’s 25-match unbeaten run with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7 win. It also ended the Slovak’s hopes of becoming the first man since Roy Emerson to win four Australian Open titles.
Watch the highlights below:
2. Wawrinka Has Equaled His Career Best in a Grand Slam Event
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His signature semifinal win over Djokovic at the Aussie Open matches a career-best performance in a Grand Slam event. He advanced to the semifinals at the 2013 U.S. Open, but ultimately lost to Djokovic in a tight match.
Watch highlights from that match below:
3. Wawrinka is a Spokesman For Audi
He’s a spokesman for Yonex clothing and Audi cars. His tennis gear is supplied by Head.
4. John McEnroe is a Fan
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Tennis legend John McEnroe has noted Wawrinka’s skills by saying that he has “the best one-handed backhand in the game today.”
5. He’s Friends With Roger Federer
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Wawrinka is friends with fellow Swiss tennis player Roger Federer. Wawrinka and Federer won a gold medal in the men’s doubles event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
He married former model Ilham Vuilloud in 2009. However, the couple separated for a brief period in 2011 as Wawrinka devoted himself more and more to tennis. Both of his sisters, Djanaee and Naella, are also tennis players.
