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Stan Wawrinka took a moment during his first-round match at the 2023 Swiss Indoors Basel on Tuesday to wave back at young fans chanting his name.
Wawrinka clashed with Alexander Shevchenko in the opening round at the Halle Saint-Jacques in Basel. Although the Swiss belted out 11 aces, his game fell a little short to his opponent's. Wawrinka eventually bowed out of the tournament, 3-6, 6-7(8).
Despite the outcome of the match, the Swiss' home crowd gave him a rousing cheer. A few young fans, in particular, excitedly chanted the 38-year-old's name during the match.
In response, Wawrinka, who was about to serve, took a moment to acknowledge their support by giving them a thumbs-up and waving back at them.
Watch the moment here:
The crowd applauded the World No. 45's kind gesture as he resumed play.
Meanwhile, Shevchenko will next clash with the winner of the match between third seed Taylor Fritz and Max Purcell on Thursday, October 26.
Stan Wawrinka reflects on past two decades of his career
Stan Wawrinka, meanwhile, recently looked back at some of his major achievements in his two-decade long career and his motivations to continue being on tour.
The three-time Grand Slam champion is much loved by tennis fans around the world and usually makes an entrance to the court with a warm welcome from the crowd. In an interview with Swiss publication SRF, he spoke of the love that he receives and stated that it was what still kept him going after almost two decades.
“I'm approaching the end of my career, but I don't feel old. I get so much support at tournaments all over the world - that's one of the reasons why I keep going. I hope it goes even further. I don't know how long it will be," he said.
The Swiss also reflected on his Grand Slam wins and teaming up with tennis legend Roger Federer to win the Olympic gold medal for their home country.
"I had four incredible years with Grand Slam victories, a victory at a Masters 1000. I beat the Number 1 three times in a Major final, which is an incredible part of my career," he said.
"One of my best experiences was also the Olympic victory in 2008 in doubles [with Federer]. Being in the Olympic village with the Swiss delegation and then winning gold was a life experience," he added.
Stan Wawrinka is still going strong and finished as the runner-up at Umag earlier this year.
