Melbourne, Jan. 22 -- Veteran Swiss star Stan Wawrinka turned back the clock with a gritty five-set victory at the Australian Open on Thursday, thus becoming the first player aged 40 or above to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Ken Rosewall 48 years back.
The 40-year-old wildcard produced a stirring performance to outlast 21-year-old French qualifier Arthur Gea 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10-3) in a marathon encounter lasting four hours and 33 minutes at Kia Arena.
With the win, the 2014 Australian Open champion extended his own record of competing in 50 five-set matches at the Grand Slam level and equalled Ivan Lendl's Open Era record of 58 five-set matches at the ATP Tour level.
Roaring in delight after sealing the victory in f...