After winning at the Rotterdam Open, Alex De Minaur immediately sent a very touching message on court right after the match ended, causing Stan Wawrinka to BURST INTO TEARS on the stands and the fans in the arena to be completely moved!!!

A Heartfelt Farewell: Alex de Minaur’s Touching Tribute Moves Stan Wawrinka to Tears at Rotterdam Open Triumph

In the hushed aftermath of a hard-fought victory at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, the indoor arena—usually alive with the sharp crack of serves and the roar of rallies—fell into an almost sacred silence. Alex de Minaur, the top seed and one of tennis’s most consistent performers in recent years, had just clinched the title in a commanding display that showcased his relentless speed, precision, and mental fortitude. Yet, as the final point settled and the crowd erupted in applause, what followed was not the typical post-match celebration of fist pumps and trophy lifts.

Instead, it was a moment of raw, unfiltered emotion that would etch itself into the hearts of everyone present.

De Minaur, microphone in hand on the center court, turned not toward the camera or his team box, but directly toward the stands where Stan Wawrinka sat quietly among the spectators. The 40-year-old Swiss legend, a three-time Grand Slam champion whose career had spanned two decades of triumphs over the sport’s greatest era, had announced earlier in 2026 that this would be his final season on tour. Rotterdam, a tournament where he had lifted the trophy back in 2015, held special significance—a place of past glory now serving as one of the last chapters in his farewell tour.

The match itself had been a poignant clash of generations. De Minaur, the agile Australian known as “The Demon” for his lightning-quick court coverage, had defeated Wawrinka decisively in an earlier round (6-4, 6-2), ending the veteran’s run in the Dutch city. But the title win days later carried deeper meaning. Wawrinka, despite his advancing years and lingering injuries, had embodied the fighting spirit that defined his legacy: the one-handed backhand that once dismantled Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer in their primes; the resilience that saw him overcome knee surgeries and comebacks that inspired an entire generation.

As de Minaur stood there, sweat still glistening on his brow, he began to speak. His words were simple at first—gratitude to the crowd, acknowledgment of his team’s support, praise for the tournament organizers. Then his tone softened, and he looked up to where Wawrinka was seated.

“Stan,” he said, his voice steady but laced with genuine admiration, “you are a legend. Not just for what you’ve done on the court—those Slams you won against the best in history, the way you hit those guys off the court when it mattered most—but for who you are as a person. You’ve shown us what it means to fight, to keep believing even when the body says no. You’ve inspired me since I was a kid watching you battle. And today, winning this title… it feels even more special because it’s part of your farewell year.

Thank you for everything you’ve given this sport, and thank you for being the example of class, heart, and never giving up.”

The arena, already emotional from the weight of Wawrinka’s impending retirement, felt the words land like a gentle wave. Wawrinka, usually so composed even in defeat, visibly struggled to hold back. His shoulders shook slightly, and then the tears came—silent at first, then streaming freely down his face. He covered his mouth with one hand, nodding slowly as if the tribute had unlocked years of pent-up pride, pain, and gratitude. The crowd, sensing the moment’s gravity, rose to their feet in a standing ovation that swelled into thunderous applause mixed with sniffles and cheers.

De Minaur continued, his own eyes glistening now. “This isn’t goodbye to tennis for you, Stan—it’s thank you. And from all of us who grew up idolizing players like you, we carry that fire because of what you’ve shown us. You’re not just leaving the tour; you’re leaving a legacy that will live on every time someone steps on court and refuses to quit.”

The Australian then walked toward the stands, extending his hand in a gesture of respect. Wawrinka rose, descended the steps, and the two embraced—a hug that spoke volumes: mentor and protégé, veteran and rising star, two men bound by the shared love of a brutal yet beautiful sport. The embrace lasted longer than protocol demanded, and when they parted, both were wiping away tears. The fans, many openly crying, chanted “Stan! Stan!” in rhythmic waves, turning the Ahoy Rotterdam into a cathedral of appreciation.

In that instant, tennis transcended competition. It became about legacy, mentorship, and the quiet bonds forged through years of shared battles. De Minaur, who had twice finished runner-up in Rotterdam in previous years (losing heartbreaker finals to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz), had finally claimed the title he had chased so doggedly. Yet his victory felt secondary to the human connection it facilitated.

He had not just won a trophy; he had honored a giant of the game in a way that reminded everyone why tennis is more than points and rankings—it’s stories, emotions, and moments that linger long after the lights dim.

Wawrinka, still emotional as he addressed the crowd later via a brief on-court message, managed a few words through choked voice: “Thank you, Alex… thank you everyone. This sport has given me everything, and moments like this make it all worth it.” His farewell tour would continue, but Rotterdam would forever be remembered as the place where a young champion paid tribute to the old warrior, reducing a stoic legend to tears and uniting thousands in shared

For de Minaur, the win was a milestone in his ascent toward the sport’s elite. His consistency—reaching quarterfinals in Rotterdam for multiple consecutive years, matching Roger Federer’s record—had finally culminated in silverware on the fast indoor courts he loves. But more importantly, it was a reminder that greatness is measured not only in titles but in how one treats those who paved the way.

As the trophy was handed over and confetti rained down, the image of Wawrinka’s tear-streaked face and de Minaur’s heartfelt words remained the enduring memory. In a sport often defined by rivalries and rival scores, this was a rare, beautiful instance of pure respect and humanity. The Rotterdam Open 2026 title belonged to Alex de Minaur, but the moment belonged to both men—and to every fan who witnessed the quiet power of gratitude.

In the days that followed, clips of the on-court tribute circulated widely, drawing praise from across the tennis world. Players past and present shared their own memories of Wawrinka, while de Minaur’s gesture was hailed as the epitome of sportsmanship. For a sport facing its own transitions—with legends retiring and new stars rising—this emotional exchange served as a poignant bridge between eras.

And so, amid the cheers and tears, a simple truth emerged: sometimes the most profound victories aren’t about the scoreline, but about the hearts they touch along the way.