The 2014 Australian Open. Over and unexpected. And the tennis community has been waiting for this moment.
The stakes were high. For Nadal, a continuation of the remarkable run back to #1 after a year away from his sport. For Djokovic, a 25-match wining streak and defense of his reign down under. For Murray, proof that shoulder surgery was not fully debilitating. For Federer, a chance to renew perfection by erasing a dismal (by Fed-standards) 2013. And for everyone else, serving in the face of the crucible - standing against one or all of the favorites. Vying for 5th place.
Never before has an outsider beaten any handful of the big four in a grand slam. In fact, this year's discussion quickly turned to how Roger Federer could put up consecutive Ws against Andy, Rafa and Novak in order add to his trophy collection.
The final outcome was anything but - with Fed, Andy and Nole nowhere to be found. In one corner the heavyweight. Rafael Nadal, who needs no introduction. In the other corner the challenger. Stanislas Wawrinka, the Swiss #2 who recently dethroned Novak Djokovic in a thrilling 5-setter. That was going to be his victory. Defeating the defending champion and earning the chance to come in second.
Stan didn't see it that way. Perhaps unaware of the prescription, Wawrinka came out a'blazing - out-grinding Mr Grind. While ailing Nadal was a graceful opponent, he was not in the state to pose any threat to the newly adorned Swiss #1 and World #3.
After a decade of "the next great one" letting us down one at a time - David Ferrer, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, Gael Monfils, Gilles Simon, Marin Cilic, John Isner, Nikolay Davydenko, Marcos Baghdatis - cheers for Stan da Mann.
