Stanislas Wawrinka Defeats Rafael Nadal to Win Australian Open

Wawrinka got his moment to shine and finally beat Nadal for the first time.

Photo Removed
Complex Original

Blank pixel used during image takedowns

Photo Removed

Ever heard of a Stan Wawrinka? If not, part of the blame goes to Rafael Nadal. Wawrinka lost to him 12 straight times without even winning a set. He won on his 13th try, which happen to be at the Australian Open final.

Wawrinka is the first man not named Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Roger Federer, or Nadal to win a Grand Slam men's singles final since Juan Martin del Potro did so in 2009's US Open. The four men have combined to win 34 of the last 35, and Wawrinka broke the streak by beating No. 1 Nadal and No. 2 Djokovic in the same tournament.

Wawrinka's win does come with an asterisk though. Nadal was battling an injured back throughout the match and needed a medical timeout in the second set after apparently messing up his back. The Spaniard fought hard, but fell 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

[via New York Times]

Latest in Sports