Wawrinka Wins Aussie Open as Nadal Falters

Swiss player hadn't won a single set against Spaniard in 12 previous matches
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 26, 2014 5:36 AM CST
Wawrinka Wins Aussie Open as Nadal Falters
Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland, right, talks with tournament referee Wayne McKewen as Rafael Nadal of Spain takes an injury time out during the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014.   (Aaron Favila)

Stan Wawrinka held off an injured Rafael Nadal to win his first Grand Slam title with a 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory today in the Australian Open final. The 28-year-old Swiss player had never taken a set off Nadal in 12 previous meetings, but dominated from the start at Melbourne Park. Nadal appeared to be on the verge of retiring in the second set, when he hurt his back and needed a medical time out.

Nadal has had a terrible stretch with injuries at the Australian Open, and has described it as his unluckiest Grand Slam. He missed the 2013 edition during seven months out with knee injuries and illness, and his quarterfinal losses in 2010 and 2011 were affected by injuries. (More Rafael Nadal stories.)

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