LONDON — The tennis world was met with a poignant moment of transition as Stan Wawrinka, the Swiss maestro and three-time Grand Slam champion, officially announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 39. In a move that epitomized the respect shared among the sport's greatest rivals, world number one Novak Djokovic was among the first to send a classy and heartfelt message to the man he has faced in some of the most epic battles of the modern era.
Wawrinka, known for his thunderous one-handed backhand and fearless demeanor on the court, made the announcement at a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, surrounded by family, friends, and members of his team. His career, often lived in the shadow of his more celebrated compatriot Roger Federer, was nonetheless one of extraordinary grit and late-blooming glory, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's most beloved and respected figures.
The Rivalry and Respect with Djokovic
Perhaps no rivalry better defined Wawrinka's champion mentality than his series of matches against Novak Djokovic. While his overall head-to-head record against the Serbian stands at 6-21, Wawrinka famously defeated Djokovic in two Grand Slam finals, moments that became the cornerstone of his legacy. It was these high-stakes duels that forged a deep and mutual respect between the two athletes, a respect that was immediately evident in Djokovic's retirement tribute.
Taking to social media, Djokovic posted a series of photos from their matches, captioning it with a powerful message. He wrote, "Stan, it’s hard to see you hang up the racket, but you have much to be proud of in your incredible career. You are a true champion and a great person. Those battles on the court, especially the ones in Melbourne and Paris, will stay with me forever. Congrats to you and your family on an amazing journey. The tour won’t be the same without you."
The specific mention of Melbourne and Paris is a direct nod to their historic finals. Their 2014 Australian Open quarter-final, a five-set epic won by Wawrinka, was a turning point that announced him as a genuine Grand Slam threat. This set the stage for their two final showdowns:
- The 2015 French Open Final: In what many consider his career-defining performance, Wawrinka overpowered Djokovic in four sets to claim his second major, denying Novak the career Grand Slam at the time.
- The 2016 US Open Final: Wawrinka again emerged victorious in a physical four-set battle to claim his third and final Grand Slam title.
These matches were characterized by Wawrinka’s ability to reach an almost unplayable level of power tennis when it mattered most. Djokovic, known for his impeccable defense, was often left helpless against the raw force of Wawrinka’s groundstrokes. This dynamic created a fascinating contrast in styles and a narrative of the relentless challenger who could topple the king on the grandest stages.
A Career of Perseverance and Power
Wawrinka’s journey was not that of a teenage prodigy. For the first decade of his career, he was consistently ranked inside the world's top 20 but was widely regarded as a solid player unlikely to break the stranglehold of the "Big Four" – Federer, Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray. His transformation into a Grand Slam champion began in his late 20s, a testament to his work ethic and self-belief.
His breakthrough came at the 2014 Australian Open, where he defeated Djokovic and Nadal back-to-back to claim his first major. His partnership with coach Magnus Norman was pivotal, helping him channel his immense power with greater consistency and mental fortitude. His philosophy was simple, often summed up by the tattoo on his left forearm, a quote from Samuel Beckett: "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better."
This mantra became synonymous with his career. He battled through numerous injuries, including two knee surgeries that significantly impacted the latter part of his career. Despite these setbacks, he fought his way back each time, his love for the competition and the game never dimming. His final singles title came in 2017, but his presence on tour remained a formidable one, a reminder of his peak powers.
The Legacy Beyond the Trophies
While his three Grand Slam titles place him in an elite category, Wawrinka’s legacy is about more than silverware. He demonstrated that perseverance and a powerful game could shatter the established order. He became an inspiration for every player who peaked later in life, proving that the journey is unique for every athlete. His iconic one-handed backhand, a shot that has become increasingly rare in the modern game, will be remembered as one of the most devastating weapons in tennis history.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Wawrinka was known for his quiet dignity and sportsmanship. He rarely engaged in on-court dramatics, letting his racket do the talking. This demeanor earned him the admiration of fans and peers alike. The flood of tributes following his announcement underscores this universal respect. Rafael Nadal called him a "great rival and friend," while Andy Murray praised his "incredible career and fighting spirit."
A Classy Farewell to a Beloved Warrior
In his retirement speech, Wawrinka was visibly emotional, thanking his team, his family, and the fans for their unwavering support. "This sport has given me everything," he stated. "It has taught me about hard work, about resilience, and about myself. To have been able to compete at the highest level for so long, and to have shared the court with the greatest players of this era, has been the privilege of a lifetime."
He also made a point to acknowledge his rivals directly, saving a special word for Djokovic, Nadal, and Murray. "We pushed each other to be better. Those matches, those battles, they are what I will remember most. The pain, the exhaustion, the glory... it was all worth it."
The retirement of Stan Wawrinka marks the end of an era. He was the ultimate disruptor, a player who carved his own path to immortality in a golden age of tennis. Novak Djokovic’s classy message serves as the perfect epitaph for Wawrinka’s career—a tribute from a legendary rival who understood better than anyone the caliber of the warrior who was leaving the battlefield. The tour, indeed, will not be the same without him.