Stanislas Wawrinka poses with the 2014 Australian Open winner's trophy on the Yarra bank. Source: AFP
JUBILANT Australian Open winner Stan Wawrinka says Melbourne will always hold a special place in his heart after providing the backdrop for his maiden grand slam triumph.
The new Swiss master showed off his Australian Open trophy on the banks of the Yarra and sent champagne flowing into the river as he celebrated his breakthrough win today.
Tourists aboard passing boats shouted, ``Stan the man'' as the feel-good story of the Open posed for photos for the world's press clinging tightly to the title he admitted he never thought he would win.
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``I still don't completely realise what is happening but I'm really happy,'' he said.
Wawrinka partied long into the night on Sunday with family, friends and his team after pocketing more than $2.6 million in prizemoney.
Stanislas Wawrinka is interviewed by media representatives in Melbourne. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images
After defeating world no. 1 Rafael Nadal in the final and receiving a congratulatory phone call from friend and hero Roger Federer afterwards, Wawrinka said his achievement was ``meaning a lot''.
``I've been on the tour more than 10 years and never dreamed about winning a grand slam,'' he said.
``For me I was not good enough compared to all the big guys who was winning. and now it's my turn to win one so that's something huge.''
Wawrinka took his trophy and inner circle of support staff back on to centre court in the early hours of this morning to kick off his celebrations.
He and Nadal also won over staff at Melbourne Park by sticking around to thank them after the four-set final.
Stanislas Wawrinka walks along the Yarra bank with his trophy. Picture: AFP
Wawrinka said the support and atmosphere of an ``amazing'' Melbourne crowd had helped him through the tournament.
``I'm enjoying playing here,'' he said.
And he was proud to etch his name into the history books as an Australian Open champion.
``I don't know about doing this again but I know that I did it and no one can take it back,'' he said.
``I have my grand slam and I'm number three in the world, so for sure it's a big deal.''
The new champ also said he felt sorry for Nadal, who was booed by the crowd for taking an injury time-out to treat his back.
``It was not really nice for Rafa because it was a real injury and it was tough for him,'' he said.
``But that is part of the match when it's a final.
``They want to have a big final, a big match and I think at the end we had a great atmosphere.''
peter.rolfe@news.com.au
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