How Late Bloomer Stan Wawrinka Redefined His Career

The words were inked on his left arm three years ago. Now they’re embedded in his DNA.

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail harder.”

For Stan Wawrinka, 31, that famous line by poet Samuel Beckett is more than a source of inspiration: It’s his modus operandi.

Once an afterthought, the talented-but-underachieving Swiss has transformed into one of, if not the best big-match player in men’s tennis. 

At the 2016 U.S. Open, Wawrinka’s renaissance hit another peak, as he defeated defending champion Novak Djokovic 6-7 (1), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 for his third Grand Slam title. Under the bright lights and new roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, he wore down a weary-looking Djokovic, who couldn’t equal the mental fortitude and toughness of Wawrinka.

A player considered too soft and unfocused early in his career, Wawrinka’s mastered the art of resiliency the past few seasons. Nowhere was this trait more evident than in New York, where he recently defied the odds to lift the U.S. Open trophy over his head. 

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