Stan Wawrinka returns to the ATP Top 100 at age 40 after his Rotterdam run and breaks Roger Federer’s Grand Slam five-set record at Australian Open 2026.
Wawrinka became the first player in the Top 100 over 40 years old since Roger Federer in 2022.
40 and Soaring: Stan Wawrinka Redefines Tennis Legacy; Enters Elite Circle with Federer
Stan Wawrinka announced that 2026 would mark his last year on the tour. Rather than diminishing silently, he’s making a strong return.
The 40-year-old has secured five victories this season — exceeding his total from all of 2025. Following his advancement to the second round of the ATP 500 in Rotterdam, Wawrinka rises from No. 106 to No. 98 in the ATP rankings, indicating his first return to the Top 100 since 2024.
That milestone holds significant importance.
He is the first player in their 40s to be ranked in the Top 100 since Roger Federer in 2022. Federer, who is also 40, was ranked No. 97 at Wimbledon that year before falling completely out of the rankings as his points lapsed.
Prior to Federer, it was Ivo Karlovic, who was ranked No. 95 at 40 years old in late 2019. Feliciano Lopez nearly made it in 2021 but fell out of the Top 100 just a week before he turned 40.
Five-Set Monarch at 40
That’s just part of the story. During the Australian Open in January, Wawrinka surpassed Federer’s record for the highest number of five-set matches in Grand Slam history. By enduring longer than his rival in a lengthy match with scores of 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10-3), he recorded his 49th career five-set match, per OptaAce, surpassing Federer.
The run took him to the third round, making him the first player aged 40 or older to arrive at that point in a Slam since Ken Rosewall at the 1978 Australian Open.
Wawrinka ultimately lost to Taylor Fritz, but demonstrated that he wouldn’t exit quietly.
