Melbourne: France`s `lucky loser` Stephane Robert said he was taken aback by his standing ovation on Monday as his fairytale Australian Open run finished in style.
The world number 119, who failed to come through qualifying but gained his berth because of a withdrawal, pushed Wimbledon champion Andy Murray before going down in four sets.
Afterwards, thunderous applause for the 33-year-old journeyman drowned out the British world number four during his on-court interview.
"The standing ovation, this is a good surprise. I lost, and then the speakers said, `Robert, the lucky loser. History`. I didn`t hear anything," he recalled.
"Then they started, `Robert, Robert`. It was unbelievable for me. I`m happy. People enjoyed seeing my game today. So, yeah, it was a great, great feeling for sure."
Robert was the first lucky loser to reach the tournament`s round of 16, and the oldest man in the fourth round since Andre Agassi in 2005.
He earned US$118,000 for reaching the last 16, the biggest payday of his career -- and said he would use it to further his career.
"This is the biggest prize money for me. So it`s good. It`s a very good help. I`m going to invest on my tennis again," he said.
Robert`s previous biggest achievement was upsetting the Czech Republic`s Tomas Berdych three years ago in the first round at Roland Garros.
