Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Stan Wawrinka has won the 2016 U.S. Open in an upset over world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
After nearly four hours of play, the Swiss tennis player defeated Djokovic 6-7 (1-7), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3. The win marks Wawrinka’s third grand slam.
Wawrinka, 31, is now the oldest man to win America’s grand slam since Ken Rosewell in 1970. He also is the only active player to win two Grand Slam titles while in his 30s. Wawrinka entered Arthur Ashe Stadium as 2-19 against the world No. 1, with both wins coming in Grand Slam Finals.
In a twisted series of events, Djokovic, winner of 12 Grand Slams, called for his trainer and took a medical time out for a toe pain. Wawrinka complained about the medical timeout as Djokovic apologized to him saying “Stan, sorry man, I couldn’t stand.”
And once more, Djokovic called for a trainer and took another medical time-out while down 2-5 in the fourth set for his toes. This time, blood was visible on Djokovic’s sock.
After Wawrinka’s win, Djokovic said, “Congratulations, Stan, to your team as well. This has been absolutely deserved today. You were more courageous player in the decisive moment and he deserves his title.”
“This is amazing,” Wawrinka said. “I came here without the goal of winning it but stepped on the court trying to win the match.
“I played a lot of tennis, I am completely empty. There was so much emotion with the crowd, the atmosphere, the stadium, it’s been an amazing night.”
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