Stanislas Wawrinka Optimistic About Playing ‘Many Tournaments’ in his Farewell Season

Stanislas Wawrinka is set to play his farewell tour in 2026 as he looks to end his career in style. The Swiss tennis sensation won three Grand Slam titles in the most competitive era, featuring the Big 3.

Speaking ahead of the United Cup, Wawrinka believes that his final season will be special. He hopes to produce some good results and put his heart out every time he steps on the court. Wawrinka said in the United Cup press conference:

It’s going to be special, but it will be my last year. So, after more than 20 years on the circuit, of course it’s going to be very special to play all those tournaments I’ve participated in so many times for the last time. But at the same time, a year is a long time. There’s a lot of tennis left to play, hopefully, and some good results. For my part, I’m very grateful to be able to play those tournaments one last time, one more time, and see all the fans from around the world.

Wawrinka has won three Grand Slams, a Masters 1000, an Olympic Gold Medal and a Davis Cup. He is one of the few players who was able to give competition to the likes of the Big 3 (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic).

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam missing from his CV. So technically, he is on course to achieve a Career Grand Slam at SW19 in 2026.

Stanislas Wawrinka overwhelmed by the fans’ response to his retirement

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stanislas Wawrinka has shown excitement towards the response he has received from the fans worldwide. The Swiss man has done well to stay in the limelight despite always living in the shadow of Roger Federer. He added:

Of course, it’s always nice to receive so many messages and so much support. As I said, I’ve always been passionate about this sport. I really enjoy being on tour, traveling, playing in front of all those fans from around the world. That’s one of the reasons why I’ve kept playing for so long. It’s about playing in front of the fans. It’s incredible, but as I said, I’ve announced that this will be my last year, but I still have a full year of tennis left. There are many tournaments to play. Yes, I hope I can enjoy it and get good results.

Interestingly, Wawrinka is not the only player who has announced his retirement at the end of the 2026 season. Gael Monfils is another who will be hanging up his racket. The Frenchman, like Wawrinka, has been on tour for over 20 years. However, the lack of results, combined with the age, has contributed to this decision.

Another noteworthy thing is that with Wawrinka’s retirement, this will be the first time in the Open Era that no active player with a single-handed backhand will hold at least one Grand Slam title. For that streak to stay alive, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Lorenzo Musetti might have to pull their socks up.

Stanislas Wawrinka hopes to avoid injuries on his farewell tour

2008 Olympic Gold medalist Stanislas Wawrinka will hope to play a full schedule in his final season. The Swiss man has been suffering from multiple injuries in the past few seasons. He continued:

That’s the hardest part when you get older in sports as an athlete. The risk of injury increases, especially after 35. I’ve had enough injuries in recent years. I feel good, and one of my goals is to be able to finish playing tennis and not have to quit after 20 years because of an injury. Yes, that’s also one of the reasons why I got to the point of wanting this to be my last year, to finish on a high note. I hope that’s the case.

Up until 2017, Wawrinka was a force to be reckoned with, especially in Grand Slams. From 2014 to 2017, he reached at least one Grand Slam final across all seasons.

Wawrinka won the Australian Open in 2014, followed by Roland Garros win in 2015, and then collected his final Grand Slam at the US Open in 2016. In 2017, he reached another Roland Garros final, but was extinguished by Rafael Nadal in straight sets.

However, injuries piled up afterwards. Despite having a clean and consistent backhand throughout, his movement was hampered, and the results were eventually affected.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner’s Ex-Coach Names Two Players With the Best Physical Shape Heading into the 2026 Season

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