Australian Open: Wawrinka Outlasts Géa in 4:33 Thriller to Reach Third Round

Géa Pushed Wawrinka All the Way, But Swiss Veteran Seals Dramatic Super Tiebreak Win

© Colin Murty / AFP

Clément Gehl

le 22/01/2026 à 09h58

1 min to read

Gea Arthur Wawrinka Stan

Stan Wawrinka faced Arthur Géa, recent conqueror of Jiri Lehecka, in the second round of the Australian Open. The match started well for the Frenchman, who broke in the third game and won the first set 6-4.

But Wawrinka converted his first break point on his fifth attempt and, despite a break-back opportunity, claimed the second set 6-3.

Servers were rarely in danger in the third set but Géa surprised Wawrinka in the 8th game to break just before serving for the set and take the lead in the match.

A 49th five-set match in Grand Slams

But the Swiss pushed for a fifth set (his 49th in Grand Slams), which he earned by winning the fourth set 7-5. On his momentum, Stan took an early lead in the final set before being broken back immediately.

Despite further break points on both sides, the match was decided by a super tiebreak. As Géa showed signs of fatigue, the Swiss capitalized in the rallies to quickly lead 5-2.

Plagued by first-serve issues, the Frenchman fell 10-3 in the super tiebreak.

At nearly 41, Wawrinka advances to the third round of the Australian Open and will face Vit Kopriva or Taylor Fritz.