Swiss tennis icon Stan Wawrinka has declared that the 2026 season will mark the conclusion of his illustrious professional career. The three-time Grand Slam champion, now 40, stated he is "at peace" with this carefully considered decision, though his passion for the sport remains undimmed.
A Farewell Tour Begins in Perth
Wawrinka revealed that his farewell journey will commence with the United Cup in Perth, starting this Friday. This mixed-team event signifies the "beginning of the end" for one of Switzerland's most beloved sporting figures. He leads a strong Swiss squad that also includes world number 11 Belinda Bencic, facing off against teams from France and Italy in the group stages.
"Of course, I'm still passionate about the game, about the sport I love," Wawrinka expressed. He acknowledged the unique emotions of competing globally, saying, "What I received from it, the emotion playing in a different country, coming back here with a lot of fans, a lot of support, so I'm going to miss that part, that's for sure."
Legacy of a Grand Slam Champion
Stan Wawrinka carved out a legendary career during an era dominated by the 'Big Three'—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. His major triumphs are a testament to his powerful game and mental fortitude:
- Australian Open champion in 2014
- French Open champion in 2015
- US Open champion in 2016
These victories propelled him to a career-high ranking of World No. 3. Beyond singles, his trophy cabinet also includes an Olympic gold medal in doubles from Beijing 2008, won alongside compatriot Roger Federer, and a pivotal role in Switzerland's maiden Davis Cup title win in 2014. Overall, he has secured 16 ATP Tour titles, with his last coming on home soil in Geneva back in 2017.
Final Goals and Current Challenges
Despite his decision to retire, Wawrinka insists he is not merely seeing out time. He has clear objectives for his final two seasons on the circuit. Currently ranked 157th after battling persistent injuries, he is determined to climb back up the rankings.
"The last few months, I've had time to decide whether it will be my last year or not, and for me, it's quite clear. I'm happy with the decision, I'm at peace with that," he stated. However, he quickly added, "I still want to play some good tennis, I still have goals. Hopefully I can come back in the top 100, finish on a good ranking."
His plan is to compete fully in the upcoming season, targeting the major tournaments. "I want to play the full year, the big tournaments, the main ones, and let's see my ranking in the next few months," Wawrinka affirmed, promising to work as hard as ever.
As the tennis world prepares to bid adieu to another of its greats, Stan Wawrinka's final chapter promises to be one of determined performance and heartfelt celebration, starting with the team camaraderie of the United Cup in Australia.
