Australian Open: Iron Stan

Getty Images

Breakthrough.

That is what we witnessed during the Australian Open final that just ended a few hours ago. Many expected it to be a routine win for one of the all time greats, but what we got was something much more different than that.

Stan Wawrinka completed one of the more improbable grand slam runs in recent memory as he knocked off an ailing Rafa Nadal in 4 sets (6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4). Even before taking down Rafa, he had to go through 4-time champ Novak Djokovic, Tomas Berdych, and a rejuvenated Tommy Robredo just to get to the final. He did receive some help in his path to the championship match (1 retirement and a walkover), but it was not easy regardless.

Stan's been in the form of his life for the past year, and last night was no different. Although he served poorly in the 1st set (below 50%), his powerful groundstrokes helped him control the points. Even though his level slipped in the 3rd set, his improved mental toughness helped him close the match out in the 4th. And although his celebration was a bit subdued, you could tell this huge win meant a lot to him. With this win, he moves to #3 in the world (5 spots above Roger Federer) & is arguably the hottest player in the game right now, with 2 titles along with an undefeated record in 2014. This could be a big year for him. I feel like he's capable of making another deep run or two, possibly at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

As for Rafa, you can't help but wonder what could have been if he didn't tweak his back during the final. He said he tweaked it during warm ups, and it really got worse during the second set when he had to call a trainer. I honestly thought he was going to retire, but miraculously enough, he ended up winning a set, which shows the grit and toughness he has. This major hasn't been the kindest to him, and he knows that. Even though I'm a Federer fan at heart, I hope he gets to 100% before defending his French Open title.

"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." This is a quote from Samuel Beckett that Stan has tattooed onto his left forearm, and considering all that he went through last year, it could not be more relevant.

Congrats, Stan!