Wawrinka Triumphs Over Teenager Boogaard in Remarkable Rotterdam Age-Gap Match

Swiss tennis veteran Stan Wawrinka continued to make headlines in his final professional season by defeating 17-year-old Dutch player Thijs Boogaard in the first round of the Rotterdam Open on Wednesday. The 40-year-old delivered a composed performance, winning in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to progress in the ATP 500 event.

The matchup drew attention not just for the result but for the significant 23-year age gap between the competitors, marking one of the largest such disparities in the history of the ATP Tour and Grand Slam competition. Only one match in 2011 between a 44-year-old and an 18-year-old ranked higher in terms of age difference, underscoring the rarity of the contest.

Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion known for his powerful one-handed backhand and fighting spirit, spoke positively about his performance after the match. He emphasised that he was satisfied with his level of play and his ability to stay aggressive despite the relatively slow indoor court conditions at Rotterdam Ahoy.

Boogaard, who entered the main draw as a lucky loser after a qualifying round withdrawal, is among the rising young talents on the tour. Born in 2008, the Dutch player has shown promise on the junior circuit and earned top results as a teenager. His presence in the main draw against a seasoned ATP star highlighted both his potential and the depth of emerging talent in men’s tennis.

For Wawrinka, the victory adds another memorable chapter to what has already been a notable farewell season. Although his ranking has fallen outside the sport’s elite due to age and past injuries, the Swiss veteran continues to demonstrate competitive resilience against younger opponents. Last month, he became the oldest man to reach the third round of the Australian Open since the 1970s, adding context to his impressive form late in his career.

Wawrinka’s next opponent will be world No. 8 Alex de Minaur of Australia, a top-seeded player and formidable challenge in the tournament’s later stages. The matchup pits the seasoned experience of Wawrinka against the power and consistency of a current top-10 competitor, promising a compelling clash for fans and pundits alike.

The Rotterdam Open, part of the ATP 500 series played on indoor hard courts, attracts a strong field of players each year. This year’s event features a mix of established stars and young contenders, with Wawrinka’s participation drawing particular attention due to his announced retirement at the end of the 2026 season.

Wawrinka’s career has been defined by key moments on the sport’s biggest stages, including Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open, French Open and U.S. Open. As he winds down a storied career, every competitive win adds to his legacy and underscores his continued passion for the game.

For Boogaard, the experience of competing against a tennis legend provides valuable exposure and learning opportunity. Despite the loss, playing in the main draw of a high-profile tournament at such a young age signals a potential future for the Dutch player on the ATP circuit, where early breakthroughs often foreshadow rising careers.

The match’s historical significance due to the age gap will likely remain a talking point throughout the Rotterdam Open, illustrating how professional tennis can bring together vastly different generations of athletes in a single competition.

Overall, Wawrinka’s win not only moves him forward in the tournament but also highlights his enduring competitive spirit as he approaches the final months of a remarkable professional journey.