Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka has announced that the 2026 season will be his final year on the professional tour, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable 24-year career that saw him rise from underdog to one of the sport’s most respected champions.
Turning professional in 2002, Stan became known for his powerful one-handed backhand and resilience against the game’s biggest stars. Over his long career he captured three Grand Slam titles — the 2014 Australian Open, 2015 French Open and 2016 U.S. Open — each time defeating a then-world No. 1 in the final. Nicknamed “Stanimal” for his ferocious competitiveness, he also won 16 ATP Tour titles and reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3.
In a heartfelt social-media message, Wawrinka said: “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.” His announcement reflects both a celebration of his successes and a desire to finish his journey on his own terms, with one final push across the world’s biggest stages.
Beyond his Grand Slam triumphs, Wawrinka also enjoyed success in team competition, highlighting his Olympic gold medal in doubles alongside Roger Federer at the 2008 Beijing Games and playing a key role in Switzerland’s first Davis Cup title in 2014.
In recent seasons, injuries and knee surgeries took a toll, and his ranking slipped outside the top 150. Wawrinka has not reached a Grand Slam quarter-final since 2020 and will likely need wildcards to enter majors during his farewell season. Nevertheless, the 40-year-old expressed excitement at competing once more for fans around the world before his retirement.
Wawrinka’s decision closes a storied chapter in the Open Era — one marked by his ability to rise to the occasion in the sport’s biggest moments and his enduring popularity with tennis fans globally. As he prepares for one final year on the ATP Tour, the tennis world will celebrate his achievements and his enduring passion for the game.
