Wawrinka rises the Australian Open trophy (sportsndtv.com)
Stan Wawrinka held firm and kept his composure to defeat world number one Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 to win the 2014 Australian Open men’s final.
It is the first Grand Slam title the eighth seed as well as his first victory over Nadal in 13 meetings.
Wawrinka looked sharp from the start as he raced to a two-set lead over Nadal, who sustained a back injury early in the second set (it was later revealed that Nadal had actually hurt his back during warmups). Yet even with the bad back restricting his movement, Nadal showed the heart of a champion as he took the third set to add some pressure on the Swiss.
The fourth set was a test of nerves for Wawrinka as he went up a break only to surrender it back immediately. He would secure another break however, and this time consolidated it by serving out for the match.
In addition to his first Grand Slam title, Wawrinka will ascend to a career best third in the world rankings next week. Long in the shadows of his compatriot, 17-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer, Wawrinka will be the top ranked Swiss player come Monday.
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