Wawrinka Outlasts Djokovic in a Marathon Match

Robert is a big fan of Iron Stan. He’s going to the top, if he gets past Nadal.

S. Wawrinka def. N. Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7.

Djokovic did not lose the match, Wawrinka won it.

From the New York Times, January 22, 2014, including highlights video.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/22/sports/tennis/wawrinka-outlasts-djokovic-in-a-marathon-match.html?hpw&rref=sports&_r=0

MELBOURNE, Australia — Stanislas Wawrinka’s forehand sailed wide on break point in the fourth set, and Novak Djokovic screamed. Then he screamed again. Then he screamed once more. He screamed as if he won the tournament. He screamed as if he won the lottery. He screamed so loud for so long the chair umpire issued a warning.

The whole scene felt familiar: Djokovic against Wawrinka in a Grand Slam contest, the match more like a marathon, Wawrinka close but Djokovic beginning to pull ahead. It felt that way until the Australian Open quarterfinal ended with Wawrinka in front, the final score, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7. As the final point concluded, his face — eyes wide, mouth agape — registered the most shock of all.