Stan Wawrinka Shares a Heartfelt Quote After Bidding Emotional Farewell to Roland Garros: “It’s Never Easy to Say Goodbye”

Stan Wawrinka was one of the two former Roland Garros champions in the draw.

Stan Wawrinka Shares a Heartfelt Quote After Bidding Emotional Farewell to Roland Garros: “It’s Never Easy to Say Goodbye”

Stan Wawrinka (Image via X/ATP Tour)

Stan Wawrinka played his final match at Roland Garros on Monday, falling to Jesper de Jong in the first round but leaving the French Open with an outpouring of love and respect that marked the end of an era for the Swiss warrior.

For Wawrinka, Roland Garros always held a special place. As a kid in Switzerland, he rushed home from school every late May just to watch the clay-court major.

I’m always surprised to receive so much love, so much support from the players and the fans.. the tournament in general. I’ve been on tour for more than twenty years. For me when I was young my dream was to be a professional tennis player.. to be in the top 100. To have an opportunity to play those tournaments. I never expected to achieve so big in tennis. But I never put any limit in my career. I always wanted more. Always worked hard to get more. Push myself, push my own limit, try to find my own way to get there. I’m happy and proud of what I achieved all those years of course. Today was really tough. It’s never easy to say goodbye to something you love so much and dedicate all your life to it. It was and it will be difficult to leave Roland Garros.

The 41-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion, who announced his retirement at the end of the 2026 season, was given a heartfelt send-off on Court Simonne-Mathieu after a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat. Video tributes from legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner played on the big screen, while tournament director Amélie Mauresmo presented him with a special plaque.

Wawrinka plans to finish the 2026 season, likely including appearances at other majors and favorite stops where he can say proper goodbyes. He is likely to end his career at the Swiss Indoors in Basel later in the year.

Wawrinka’s Journey: From Top 100 Dreamer to Grand Slam Conqueror

Stan Wawrinka’s career stands out because it unfolded in the shadow of the greatest era in men’s tennis. Alongside Andy Murray, he won three major titles while Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic dominated. His one-handed backhand became poetry on the court. Many still call it the best of its generation.

Stan Wawrinka (2)
Stan Wawrinka (Image via X/Roland Garros)

He won the 2014 Australian Open by beating Rafael Nadal in the final. Then came Roland Garros 2015, overpowering Djokovic after dropping the first set. In 2016, he claimed the US Open, again defeating Djokovic. These weren’t just wins; they were statements from a player who refused to be defined as “the other Swiss guy.”

Beyond the Slams, Wawrinka earned Olympic doubles gold with Federer in Beijing 2008 and helped Switzerland win the Davis Cup. He reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3 and collected 16 ATP singles titles. His prize money surpassed $38 million, but the numbers only tell part of the story.

Fans remember the checked shorts that sparked endless debate, the grit through multiple knee surgeries, and the comebacks that defined his later years. Even as age and injuries slowed him, Wawrinka kept showing up with the same passion. In 2026, his farewell tour has been about soaking in every moment rather than chasing results.

The Emotional Weight of Saying Goodbye on Clay

Monday’s match against Dutch lucky loser Jesper de Jong showed the realities of Father Time. Wawrinka flashed moments of his old brilliance, especially with that signature backhand, but the consistency wasn’t quite there. Yet the result hardly mattered once the final point ended.

Stan Wawrinka

The crowd on the intimate Simonne-Mathieu court, surrounded by greenery like a greenhouse, rose in a long-standing ovation. Wawrinka’s eyes reddened as he addressed them directly: “I don’t want to say goodbye to you here.” His voice cracked with emotion.

He also spoke warmly about his friendship with fellow retiree Gaël Monfils. The two have shared two decades of battles and laughs, with no rivalry getting in the way of mutual respect.

The tributes poured in from across the sport. Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic all sent video messages praising his fighting spirit. Younger stars like Sinner and Alcaraz acknowledged the inspiration he provided. It was a full-circle moment for a player who once dreamed simply of reaching the top 100.

Also Read: Iga Swiatek Gets Emotional About Rafael Nadal Documentary at Roland Garros