LAUSANNE — In a poignant and heartfelt message shared with his fans on Monday, Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka announced his intention to retire from professional tennis at the end of the 2025 season. The three-time Grand Slam champion, known for his thunderous backhand and indomitable fighting spirit, framed the coming 18 months as the "final chapter" of a storied career that has inspired a generation.
The 39-year-old from Lausanne posted a video on his social media channels, speaking directly to the camera from a quiet, sunlit room. His voice, steady yet filled with emotion, outlined his plan to say goodbye to the tour he has graced for over two decades. "I want to share with you all a decision that has been very personal and important to me," Wawrinka began, confirming the news that had long been speculated within the tennis world.
A Champion's Reflection on an Incredible Journey
Wawrinka’s announcement was not a sudden declaration but a thoughtful prelude to a farewell tour. He emphasized his desire to enjoy one last full season, to compete at the tournaments he loves, and to connect with fans around the world one final time. "Next year will be my last season," he stated. "I’m going to play a little bit more next year, and then that’s going to be it."
The Swiss star, currently ranked World No. 88, has been battling injuries in recent years but has shown flashes of his old brilliance, including a run to the quarterfinals of the 2023 ATP event in Basel. His decision to set an endpoint speaks to a realistic assessment of his physical limits and a desire to exit the sport on his own terms. He reflected on the privilege of his career, saying, "Tennis has given me everything. It’s time for me to give back and say thank you."
The Legacy of "Stan The Man": More Than a One-Handed Wonder
Stan Wawrinka’s legacy is defined by his extraordinary achievements in an era dominated by the "Big Three" of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. While often in their shadow, Wawrinka carved out a legendary status of his own as the ultimate late-bloomer and giant-slayer. His three Grand Slam titles, all won after the age of 28, are masterclasses in peak performance:
- 2014 Australian Open: Defeated an injured Rafael Nadal in the final to claim his first major, announcing himself as a true force.
- 2015 French Open: In perhaps his finest hour, he overpowered the world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in a stunning four-set final.
- 2016 US Open: Overcame Djokovic again in a thrilling final to secure his third different major title.
Each victory was punctuated by his now-iconic phrase, "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better," tattooed on his forearm—a quote from Samuel Beckett that perfectly encapsulated his resilient, never-say-die attitude. His single-handed backhand is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and beautiful shots in tennis history, a weapon he used to dismantle the best defenses in the game.
The Final Chapter: What to Expect in 2025
Wawrinka was careful not to call his announcement an immediate retirement, instead focusing on the journey ahead. He expressed a clear goal for his final season: to savor the experience and compete without the long-term pressure that has defined much of his career. "I don’t want to make it a big deal right now," he said of the retirement plans. "I want to enjoy it, I want to share it with the fans."
While a specific schedule is not yet set, fans can expect Wawrinka to target the major tournaments and events that have meant the most to him. This will undoubtedly include:
- A final appearance at the Australian Open, where he won his first Slam and famously defeated Djokovic in epic five-set quarterfinals.
- A heartfelt goodbye at Roland-Garros, the scene of his most dominant major victory.
- The Olympic Games, should he qualify for Paris 2024, representing Switzerland one last time.
- The Swiss indoor events in Basel and Gstaad, where home crowds will bid him an emotional farewell.
The tennis world has already begun reacting to the news. Tributes poured in from fellow players, past and present, highlighting not just Wawrinka’s achievements but his character. Novak Djokovic, a frequent rival, called him a "great champion and an even greater person." Former coach Magnus Norman, who guided him to two of his Slam titles, posted a simple message: "What a career. What a man."
An Enduring Inspiration and a Future Beyond the Court
Beyond the trophies, Wawrinka’s impact lies in his narrative—the story of a player who worked relentlessly to transform himself from a solid top-20 contender into a multiple Grand Slam champion. He proved that supreme dedication could break through even the most dominant eras. For countless players and fans, he became a symbol of perseverance, a reminder that one’s peak can arrive on one’s own timeline.
In his announcement, Wawrinka hinted at a future still connected to the sport, though in a different capacity. "I don’t know exactly what I will do after," he admitted, "but tennis will always be a part of my life. I want to stay involved, to help the next generation, to give back to this game that has given me so much joy and purpose." Many speculate he could transition into coaching, commentary, or an ambassadorial role, where his deep knowledge and respected demeanor would be invaluable.
Conclusion: Savoring the Last Acts of a Legend
Stan Wawrinka’s retirement announcement marks the beginning of the end for one of modern tennis’s most beloved and respected figures. By giving the tennis community advance notice, he has invited fans worldwide to join him on a victory lap, to celebrate each match and each thunderous backhand winner as a precious part of his final act. The 2025 season will now be imbued with a special significance, as tournaments become stages for heartfelt tributes and standing ovations.
As he prepares to write the closing pages of his remarkable career, the sentiment across the sport is one of immense gratitude. Stan Wawrinka, the humble warrior from Switzerland, didn’t just win majors; he won the hearts of fans with his authenticity, his brutal honesty, and his spectacular, fail-better brand of tennis. The final chapter is set to be written, and it promises to be as compelling as all the others that came before it.