Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka has announced that the 2026 season will be the final chapter of his illustrious professional career, setting the stage for an emotional farewell tour that he hopes will include next year's Australian Open.
The Final Chapter for a Grand Slam Giant
The 40-year-old, a beloved figure and three-time Grand Slam champion, made the significant announcement via Instagram on Friday. Wawrinka declared he will retire at the end of 2026, concluding a remarkable 24-year journey that saw him rise from a perennial underdog to a giant-killer on the sport's biggest stages.
"Every book needs an ending. It's time to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player. 2026 will be my last year on tour," Wawrinka wrote. He expressed a desire to push his limits one last time and finish on a high note, thanking fans for the emotions shared over the years.
A Career Defined by Defying the Odds
Wawrinka's career is a story of spectacular perseverance. He carved out his legacy during an era dominated by the legendary 'Big Three' – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. His crowning achievement came at Melbourne Park in 2014, where he stunned the tennis world by defeating an injury-hampered Nadal in the final to claim his maiden major title.
Proving he was no one-hit wonder, the Swiss powerhouse then conquered two more Grand Slam events in stunning fashion:
- 2015 French Open: Defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the final.
- 2016 US Open: Toppled Djokovic again to secure his third major trophy.
His career highlights extend beyond singles, having won Olympic doubles gold with Federer in 2008 and playing a pivotal role in securing Switzerland's first Davis Cup title alongside his compatriot in 2014. He reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3 and captured 16 ATP Tour titles.
The Australian Open Send-Off
All eyes now turn to January and the Australian Open, where Wawrinka will likely need a wildcard entry, currently ranked 157th in the world. Given his status as a former champion and fan favourite, tournament organisers are expected to grant his wish for a final appearance.
Wawrinka has a deep history at Melbourne Park, beyond his 2014 triumph. He has reached two semi-finals and two quarter-finals at the event. His last deep run was to the quarter-finals in 2020, where he lost to Alexander Zverev. Earlier this year, he made his 19th main draw appearance, bowing out in the first round.
The veteran has already committed to starting his final season at the Auckland Open in New Zealand, building towards what he hopes will be a 20th Australian Open appearance. "I'm looking forward to seeing you one more time, all around the world. One last push," he concluded in his announcement, signalling his intent to savour every remaining moment on court.
While injuries and knee surgeries have slowed him in recent years, the determination that defined 'Stan the Man' remains. The tennis world now prepares to celebrate the final acts of a player who dared to challenge the giants of his generation and emerged a champion.
