WATCH: Stan Wawrinka In Tears After Alexei Popyrin Shatters Hopes Of First Title In 6 Years

The 23-year-old Popyrin offered a heartwarming tribute to Wawrinka and referred to him as a legend of the game.

Stan Wawrinka was in tears after the game against Alexei Popyrin.

Source : Screengrab

Stan Wawrinka who is a former World No. 3 tennis player, was left to tears after his loss in the Croatia Open final against Alexei Popyrin, marking his first tour-level final since 2019. Despite losing the game, he expressed his gratitude to his fans and his unconditional love for the sport during his post-match speech.

Earlier, Wawrinka, who won his first ATP title in Umag in 2006, displayed a brilliant performance throughout the ATP 250 event, not losing a single set until the final match. But then he played against a strong opponent in the form of 23-year-old Australian player, Popyrin. Wawrinka initially started well after winning the first set in a  tie-break but then was not able to maintain his momentum as he ended up losing the two back-to-back sets. Even though Wawrinka lost the game, the crowd’s warm support made it a memorable event.

"I know it's so stupid to cry, but I love this sport so much. You make it really special. Amazing week. Hopefully, I can come back. Thank you for your support. Thank you for being here. Hopefully, I see you next year."

Stan Wawrinka wearing his heart on his sleeve, showing just what tennis has meant, and still means, to him.

The legs may be heavier, but the passion continues 🙌@stanwawrinka pic.twitter.com/lYMlObOfts

— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) July 30, 2023

The 23-year-old Popyrin offered a heartwarming tribute to Wawrinka and referred to him as a legend of the game.

"It's an unbelievable honour to play somebody like Stan in a final," said Popyrin.

"I grew up watching him, Roger, Rafa, Novak play. To play him in a final and beat him in a final, words can't describe how happy I am. It's an unbelievable feeling."

The young Australian sustained a heavy cramp during the game and he even called the physio but still found a way out in the ninth game before serving out for victory.

"All tournament I've been fighting battles that I don't know how I won. This one tops it all," Popyrin said on court. "I felt cramp, I felt (the muscle) strain but I managed to dig deep. I don't know how I won it.