Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years once again as the Swiss veteran defeated 17-year-old Thijs Boogaard 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the Rotterdam Open on Wednesday, overcoming a 23-year age gap to continue his farewell season in style.

The 40-year-old former world number three delivered a composed and powerful performance against the Dutch lucky loser, in a match that featured the second-largest age difference in ATP Tour and Grand Slam history. The only bigger gap came in 2011, when 18-year-old Dominic Thiem beat 44-year-old Thomas Muster in Vienna.

Wawrinka, who announced last year that 2026 would mark his final season on tour, showed little sign of slowing down as he dictated play with his trademark heavy groundstrokes and single-handed backhand.

“I’m happy with the way I was playing,” Wawrinka said after the win.

“He’s a really young player. He has many years on tour for sure. But I was really happy with the level today. I was focused on myself, trying to be aggressive.

“The conditions are quite slow, so it’s never easy really to dictate. But I’m happy with my level so far.”

The three-time Grand Slam champion, who captured the Australian Open title in 2014, recently made more history in Melbourne by becoming the oldest man to reach the third round at the tournament since Ken Rosewall.

Next up for Wawrinka is a sterner test against Australian world number eight Alex de Minaur.

“He’s a tough player,” Wawrinka said. “Especially in these conditions, it’s going to be difficult to generate something. But I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’ve been playing some good matches against top players, so I’m always trying to push myself.”

With plans to compete in the remaining Grand Slams this year before bringing his decorated career to a close, Wawrinka continues to prove that experience and determination can still trouble the next generation.