By Chalien Dantes

Seventeen years after first sharing the court in the third round in Melbourne, Stan Wawrinka, Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic continue to defy time and expectation.

Djokovic, now 38, moved smoothly past Francesco Maestrelli in straight sets, while 37-year-old Cilic produced a composed performance to dismiss 21st seed Denis Shapovalov just as efficiently.

Wawrinka, however, took a far tougher route. At 40, the former champion dug deep in a gripping four and a half hour battle, outlasting French qualifier Arthur Gea in five demanding sets.

The 2014 Australian Open winner soaked in strong crowd support throughout the contest, urging fans to raise the volume after key points. He even paid subtle tribute to his past success, wearing red, white, and grey checked detailing reminiscent of the shorts he wore during his 2015 French Open triumph.

Although retirement awaits at the end of 2026, Wawrinka is far from coasting. Against a player who turned 21 earlier this month, he twice clawed his way back from a set down, forcing a deciding fifth set. With Gea hampered by cramp, Wawrinka took control in the final tie break, sealing a 10-3 finish and closing out a dramatic 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 victory.