Get ready for a tennis legend's remarkable comeback! Stan Wawrinka, at 40, is set to make a grand return to the Top 100 of the ATP Rankings. But here's the twist: he's not just returning; he's doing it with a bang, and at an age when most players have long retired.
According to the ATP's Live Rankings Projection, Wawrinka's recent wins have him poised to enter the Top 100 on Monday. This achievement is especially notable as he'll be the oldest man in the rankings by a significant margin, over two years older than the next oldest player.
Wawrinka's journey back to the Top 100 started with a remarkable run at the Australian Open in January. He rolled back the years, becoming the oldest man since Ken Rosewall in 1978 to reach the third round in Melbourne. He defeated Laslo Djere and then pulled off a thrilling five-set win against Arthur Gea.
But it's not just his age that makes this comeback special. Wawrinka's recent wins in Europe, including a victory over 17-year-old Thijs Boogaard in Rotterdam, have created one of the largest age gaps in ATP Tour and Grand Slam history.
As Wawrinka approaches his 41st birthday in March, he'll be the oldest man in the Top 100 by a wide margin. To put this into perspective, Novak Djokovic, at 38, is currently ranked No. 3, while other players like Adrian Mannarino, Marin Cilic, and Roberto Bautista Agut, all 37, are also in the elite bracket. The last time a 40-year-old featured in the Top 100 was Roger Federer in 2022.
Wawrinka's career has been nothing short of remarkable. He reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 after winning his first major title at the Australian Open in 2014.
And this is the part most people miss: Wawrinka's comeback isn't just about his age; it's a testament to his skill, determination, and love for the game.
So, what do you think? Is Wawrinka's comeback a testament to the longevity of tennis careers, or is it an exception to the rule? Let's discuss in the comments!
