LAUSANNE — In a poignant announcement that signals the approaching end of a remarkable era, Swiss tennis icon Stan Wawrinka has revealed his intention to retire from professional tennis at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The three-time Grand Slam champion, known for his thunderous backhand and indomitable fighting spirit, made the declaration in a candid interview from his home country, blending realism with a lingering flame of ambition.
"I still have dreams," Wawrinka stated, his voice carrying the familiar, gravelly resolve that has defined his career. "To win another big tournament, to play in front of amazing crowds, to push my body one more time. But I am also 39 years old. I see the finish line. 2026 will be my last season. This gives me a clear goal, a final mountain to climb, and the time to say goodbye properly to the sport I love." The announcement provides a two-year farewell window for one of the most beloved and respected players of his generation.
A Late-Blooming Legend's Final Chapter
Stan Wawrinka’s career is a testament to perseverance and peak performance achieved against the odds. For years, he operated in the colossal shadow of his compatriot Roger Federer, often labeled as "the other Swiss." However, in a stunning mid-career resurgence, Wawrinka shattered that narrative by winning three of the four Grand Slam titles, each time defeating the world No. 1 in the final. His legacy is built on these monumental triumphs:
- 2014 Australian Open: Defeated an injured but valiant Rafael Nadal for his first major.
- 2015 French Open: Overpowered Novak Djokovic in a classic final at Roland Garros.
- 2016 US Open: Outlasted Djokovic again in a four-set battle at Flushing Meadows.
These victories, captured with the phrase "Stan The Man" etched into the collective tennis consciousness, cemented his status not as a rival to the "Big Three," but as their greatest and most dangerous challenger. His single-handed backhand, a weapon of both brutal force and artistic grace, became one of the most feared shots in the sport's history. Now, with multiple knee surgeries behind him and a ranking that requires him to grind through qualifying rounds at some events, Wawrinka is embracing the final phase with clear eyes.
The Motivation Behind the Timeline
Choosing 2026 as his endpoint is strategic and sentimental. It allows Wawrinka to target several key milestones. The 2024 Paris Olympics, where he won doubles gold with Federer in 2008, is an immediate target. Beyond that, a full and healthy 2025 season, and a farewell tour in 2026 that will let fans across the globe celebrate his contributions. "I don't want to just disappear," he explained. "I have received so much love for twenty years on tour. I want to see those fans, in those stadiums, one more time. I want to feel that energy, and I want to thank them."
The physical toll, however, is an ever-present reality. Wawrinka has undergone two surgeries on his left foot and a more complicated procedure on his left knee in 2017, an injury that many thought might end his career then. His daily routine is now a meticulous balance of training, recovery, and pain management. "My relationship with my body is different," he admitted. "Every practice, every match, is a negotiation. Some days I win the negotiation, some days I lose. But the feeling of winning a match, of hitting a perfect shot under pressure… that is a drug I am not ready to give up."
The Impact on the Tennis Landscape
Wawrinka’s pending departure marks another step in the gradual changing of the guard. While Federer has retired and Nadal is likely in his final season, Wawrinka has been a crucial bridge—a peer of the legends and a contemporary of the new generation. His presence in draws has always carried weight, a reminder of a golden era and a threat no top player relishes facing. For younger players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune, beating a motivated "Stan" remains a rite of passage.
His influence extends beyond match results. Wawrinka’s tattoo of Samuel Beckett’s quote, "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better," has become synonymous with his philosophy. It resonates with athletes worldwide, embodying the struggle and resilience inherent to high-level sport. ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenti acknowledged this, stating, "Stan represents the heart of tennis. He shows that greatness can come at any age, that power is matched by passion, and that respect is earned through relentless effort. The tour will not be the same without him."
What Remains to Be Achieved?
With two years left, Wawrinka’s goals are focused on experience and legacy rather than rankings. Key targets include:
- A deep run at Roland Garros, the site of his most dominant major win.
- Competing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris for Switzerland.
- Winning one more ATP title to add to his current tally of 16.
- A final appearance at all four Grand Slams to bid farewell to each unique crowd.
Perhaps most importantly, he dreams of one more magical night in a major arena against a top rival. "You never forget those battles," he said, a smile breaking through. "The night match in Melbourne against Novak, the final in Paris… the crowd, the pressure, the noise. To have one more of those nights, to test myself completely one last time, that is the dream. Even if I lose, to be in that fight, that is why I am still here."
A Fond and Fitting Farewell
The tennis world now has the opportunity to properly appreciate a player who maximized his talent in the most formidable of eras. Stan Wawrinka’s career is a masterclass in self-belief. He was not a prodigy; he was a craftsman who forged his game and his mentality into that of a champion. His announcement removes the speculative "when will he retire?" questions and replaces them with a celebratory "how will he finish?"
As he embarks on this long goodbye, the sentiment across the sport is one of profound gratitude. He gave fans iconic moments, unforgettable highlights, and proof that the giants of the game could be slain with courage and a single, breathtaking shot. His final message to his peers and fans was simple: "The journey is not over. I have more to give, more fights to have, and more memories to make with you. Let's make these last two years count." The countdown to the final act of Stanislas Wawrinka has begun, and every appearance will now be a treasured chapter in the closing of his legendary story.