Marathon man Stan Wawrinka has crushed the rise of Russian Daniil Medvedev- touted as the next big thing in men’s tennis – by eliminating the fourth seed from the Australian Open.

The Swiss 2014 Open champion called on his big-match experience to take the fourth-round clash 6-2 2-6 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 at Rod Laver arena on Monday.

The Russian was anointed by world No.2 and defending Open champion Novak Djokovic has the most likely of Next-Gen challengers to land a major this year.

The 23-year-old won four hard-court titles last year and was beaten by Nadal in a gripping five-set US Open final.

But 15th seed Wawrinka showed his prowess over five sets, extending his record to 29 career victories while Medvedev’s miserable streak over the full distance stretched to six without a win.

With ongoing knee problems, the 34-year-old rated it as his best match since his 2017 surgery.

“I think the last time I played so well was before the surgery,” Wawrinks said.

“I feel since the off-season my level is really high. Physically I’m moving better than last year.

“The week before here, I was really feeling at the top level.”

The veteran had lost his previous two meetings against Medvedev, including the US Open quarter-finals last year, and was rated the outsider despite his record of three major titles.

But he said he knew what was required to perform.

“The way he’s been playing since a year now, his ranking and everything, full confidence, he’s playing so well,” the 34-year-old said.

“But when I enter the court, I enter to win, and I know I have what it takes to do it.”

Medvedev said he found it tough to handle Wawrinka’s serve but was satisfied with his game.

“After a loss I’m not disappointed too much,” he said.

“Of course, I could do some shots better but he played a great match.”

He admitted he wasn’t a fan of five-set tennis although thought it came down more to his inexperience than mental or physical conditioning.

“All the matches were different – of course, it feels not good to never win one but I will probably have many more opportunities,” Medvedev said.

“I think from one side, it’s normal as experience is the key in many things.

“I don’t like to play five sets. I get tired.

“I didn’t win one in my life but I’ll try better next time.”