Wawrinka wins the Australian Open
Swiss secures first Grand Slam title
Wawrinka wins 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3
Nadal was struggling with back injury
Spaniard had medical timeout in second set
* denotes next to serve
Image source, APWawrinka assures Nadal that his back is going to be fine before describing this tournament as "the best Grand Slam ever". He then adds: "I still don't know whether I'm dreaming or not" and a lugubrious Nadal looks on.
Rachel Elizabeth:, external Someone give nadal a hug :(
Image source, Getty ImagesThe world number one ends by thanking the crowd and telling them he will see them again in 12 months. Wawrinka, unable to contain a beaming smile, knows he is about to enjoy his moment in the sun, or his moment under the floodlights at least.
Warm applause for Rafael Nadal as he steps up to the mic with the runners-up plate under his arm. Rod Laver is even taking pictures of the moment with his mobile phone. "It's been an emotional two weeks. I'm sorry to finish this way, I tried very hard," says Nadal before he is forced to pause because of the raucous cheers.
Here are a few more facts to keep you occupied before Pete Sampras awards Wawrinka the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup. Firstly, the last man to win a Grand Slam title in their maiden final was Juan Martin del Potro at the 2009 US Open. Wawrinka also joins Petr Korda in making the most appearances at the Australian Open before winning the title. The pair jointly top that particular leaderboard with nine Aussie Open appearances.
Nadal, then, must wait until at least the French Open to equal Pete Sampras's haul of 14 major titles and the Spaniard, hand on hips, is being made to wait on the court too. The lights have been dimmed, flashlights are popping around the arena, and the sponsors and organisers are being given their moments in the limelight before the trophy is handed to Wawrinka.
Pat Cash
Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 live
Image source, Getty Images"It's a typical Stan celebration. I don't know if it's disbelief or he is just being humble. It is complete and utter relief from the poor guy."
John Lloyd
Former British number one on BBC Two
"I have to say that at the beginning of the year, I thought the year would be dominated by Nadal, Djokovic and Murray. I thought Wawrinka would improve, but after that performance I now see him as multiple world champion. Why not?"
Image source, AFPWawrinka becomes the first eighth seed to win the Australian Open since Brian Teacher did so in 1980 but, more importantly, the Swiss secures his first Grand Slam title. The finalists are waiting for the trophy presentation and Wawrinka taps the wounded Nadal on the shoulder. The 28-year-old magnanimous in victory.
Wawrinka holds his arms aloft before making his way to the net to shake hands and exchange pleasantries with Nadal. The world number one smiles. The eighth seed, who will become the world number three, then makes his way towards his camp to share high-fives with his coaching team.
Image source, APNo-one had this written in the script but Wawrinka collects two points to ease to within a couple of points of claiming the tile. The Swiss, competing in his first Grand Slam final, has a maiden major in sight. An iffy Nadal return. Three match points. Hearts beating faster... Will Wawrinka hold his nerve? Never in doubt. He approaches the net and comes up with a forehand winner. Wawrinka is the Australian Open champion!
Sharon Foote:, external Does Rafa NEVER give up?
Richard Witter:, external This match is turning a bit mental. Both playing much better. Stan battling mind, Nadal body.
Philip Siu:, external The sheer strength of mind and character of Nadal is simply unbelievable. Hence why he's a multiple Slam winner.
Nadal swinging from the baseline, grunting, groaning, throwing one flamethrower after another, but he is unable to squash Wawrinka who responds with a stonking backhand winner down the line for a 15-30 lead. The Swiss pins Nadal on his heels with a booming forehand and a stooping Nadal simply nets near the tape. Two break points. A baseline rally ensues... Nadal teetering... the Spaniard about to fall into the abyss... A crackerjack of a forehand winner down the line, Nadal down the trap door and Wawrinka celebrates by repeatedly punching his temple. Each to his own.
Pat Cash
Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 live
"It's really experience that Wawrinka lacks. He hasn't been here before and in the back of his mind he has that fact that he has never beaten Nadal before. He has to blot that out of his mind. There's some tension there."
Image source, Getty ImagesHelen Todd:, external Rafa is the sign of a pro. Wawrinka needs to work on staying focused on the game, whatever is happening.
James McRae:, external It's all very well Nadal coming back into this, but does he look like breaking Wawrinka atm? No. Still the clear favourite.
Alexander McGlynn:, external I've got to do my shopping but don't want to move! But this match is so exciting!
Wawrinka could be in trouble as he biffs a forehand long to allow Nadal a 0-30 advantage. Oof. And he is definitely in a sticky situation as an ugly forehand sails into orbit. Three break points Nadal. Forehand wide from Wawrinka and the Swiss coughing and spluttering with the finishing line in sight.
A loose-limbed forehand winner from Wawrinka puts the Swiss on the front foot. But, with the court at his mercy, he squanders an opportunity to nudge 0-30 ahead as a forehand bounces long. But it matters not one jot as the eighth seed gathers two break points and takes his chance with with a clear winner down the line. Two more games and the title will be his.
Two aces from Wawrinka's potent racquet helps him bounce back from 0-15 down and, from there on, Nadal is unable to pose any threat on the returns. Beads of sweat dripping down Wawrinka's temples during the changeover and Nadal, by all accounts, has swallowed another pain killer.
Image source, ReutersNadal is certainly not full of vim, but the 13-time Grand Slam champion is able to live with the best even when his body is fragile. From 40-0 to 40-30 we go and there are a few anxious shouts from the Melbourne faithful before a terrific first serve helps the Spaniard level.
Wawrinka has rediscovered a zen-like calm. A bruising forehand into the corner takes him to within a point of holding and he secures the game with some style, skipping towards the tape and finishing off with a forehand volley full of spin and menace.