A tennis legend passes away. Stanislas Wawrinka, winner of 16 titles including three Grand Slams during his immense career, announced his retirement on his social networks this Friday evening. At 40, the Swiss with the legendary one-handed backhand revealed that “2026 will be [sa] last year” on the ATP circuit. “It’s time to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player,” he wrote on his X account.
Like his great friend Gaël Monfils, the former world number three will therefore treat himself to the pleasure of living a final year on tour, without confirming the place in which he intended to bow out for good, even if it is likely that he will mark the date of the ATP 500 in Basel, at the end of the season (October 24 – November 1, 2026).
“Every book needs an ending,” recalled Wawrinka, before listing the values that carried him through the 23 years of his long professional career: “Perseverance, ambition, sacrifice, success, injuries, obsession, never give up, discipline, resilience, evolution, ambition, memories.”
“I want to push my limits again”
“This is what this journey has been about,” recalled Stan the Man, before setting the course for the year to come: “I want to push my limits again and end this journey on the best possible note. I still have dreams in this sport. I have enjoyed every aspect of what tennis has given me, especially the emotions I feel playing in front of you. I look forward to seeing you one last time, all over the world. One last effort.”
Long considered an eternal hope of world tennis and eclipsed by the giant shadow of his compatriot Roger Federer, Wawrinka broke the glass ceiling separating him from the very high level as he approached the age of 30, achieving an exceptional second half of his career. Titled at the Australian Open in 2014, Roland-Garros in 2015 and the US Open in 2016, the Lausanne native finally found his way among the best players in the world, becoming one of the main competitors of the “Big Four”.
Particularly appreciated in the four corners of the planet, and especially in France, the Swiss champion left his mark with his powerful play and his magnificent backhand, but also with his atypical personality, a mix of character and kindness.
Having fallen to 157th in the world, the winner of the Davis Cup against France in 2014 has been running behind his best level for several levels. His body destroyed by injuries – he underwent several operations on his left knee and left foot – he won only four matches on the main circuit in 2025.
