Home » Olympic Rewind: Stan Wawinka and Roger Federer win gold

Roger Federer entered the Beijing Olympics as one of the favorites to take home the men’s singles gold medal following a shocking loss to Tomas Berdych in Athens in 2004. However, James Blake derailed his intentions in the quarterfinals, so Roger switched to playing doubles with Stan Wawrinka.

Roger and Stan went above and above to win the gold medal for Switzerland and bring honor to their nation. Prior to shocking Bob and Mike Bryan in the semifinal, the Swiss team overcame Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes in the quarterfinals. The Swiss team thus went to the championship match against Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson, who won in four hours and 46 minutes over Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra!

Roger and Stan were fired up and inspired by their spectacular victory over the Bryan brothers, and they made one last effort to win the gold on August 16. Thanks to Roger’s serve ace in the decisive point, they defeated the Swedes 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3.

After a superb hold from Roger in game nine, the Swiss pair wrapped out the first set for a score of 6-3. They received their first break in game four. They won the second set 6-4 because to one break and improved service over the Swedes.

At the start of the third set, Johansson and Aspelin finally broke to gain momentum. It was only temporary though, as they dropped serve in the following game after three double faults! The match was extended by at least one set thanks to the Swedes’ 7-4 victory in the tie break.

However, that was all they could do as Wawrinka and Federer broke the tie in the fourth game of the fourth set. They maintained their lead all the way to the finish and won Olympic glory. Roger received this award just in time since he was going to lose the no.

Rafael Nadal lost the No. 1 ranking two days later, abdicating the ATP throne for the first time in four and a half years.

In Beijing 2008, Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka won the doubles gold medal.

“I’ve had to serve in important matches before, both in this tournament and throughout my life.

However, things have changed somewhat in doubles, where you occasionally lose control since men typically go for massive returns. I realized it was all up to me if we did not break as Stan held his serve easily to go up 5-2 up. Despite the immense pressure, it is the situation you dream of being in.

It got much harder because I had to endure a couple second serves in order to win the game. It’s a dream come true, and we played terrific tennis, to the point of nearly incredulity. I’ve always been a team player because of how I was raised. Basketball and soccer team tournaments are two things I’ve always like to do.

When I participated in my first Davis Cup at the age of perhaps 16, it was the best experience of my life. It’s important for the team to have a positive environment, and we do. On the court today and over the course of two weeks, we had such a good understanding of one another.

We have been attempting to develop it for many years, particularly the past month, by frequently discussing how we would like to play doubles. In the end, it turns out to be such a delicious win; it’s wonderful. I’ve always had a lot of fun playing doubles.

Recently, I haven’t played it as much because I’ve been concentrating on singles. But I still have fun doing it, especially during the crucial phases. Having a private pool party to celebrate it is very different “said Roger Federer.