As the curtain begins to close on Stan Wawrinka’s illustrious tennis career, one can’t help but marvel at the sheer determination of a man who has truly left it all on the court. But here’s where it gets emotional: at 40 years old, Wawrinka, in the final year of his professional journey, finds himself locked in battles against opponents young enough to be his children. In a recent match, he pushed 23-year-old Flavio Cobolli to the brink, only to see victory slip away in a tense tie-break—a microcosm of a career defined by relentless effort and unyielding passion.
In theory, knowing 2026 marks the end should free Wawrinka to play with abandon, to swing for the fences without fear. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not that simple. ‘Of course, I’d love to play more freely,’ he admits, his frustration palpable. ‘But I care so deeply that it’s easier said than done.’ This very passion, however, is what sets him apart. While many athletes fade as their physical prowess wanes, Wawrinka’s fire burns brighter than ever, even as he sits at No. 156 in the world, the oldest player in the men’s top 1,000.
His résumé speaks for itself: three Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold in doubles, and a Davis Cup victory alongside the legendary Roger Federer. But here’s the controversial part: despite these achievements, Wawrinka’s legacy often feels undervalued. For years, he was seen as a talented player who couldn’t quite break into the elite tier, stuck in the shadow of the Big Three—Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic. Yet, he defied the odds, winning all three of his Grand Slam titles during their dominance, beating each of them in finals. ‘I squeezed the lemon until the last drop,’ he reflects, a statement that encapsulates his career.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Wawrinka’s success a testament to his skill, or did he simply catch the Big Three on off days? It’s a question that sparks debate among fans. What’s undeniable, however, is his resilience. Take his 2013 Australian Open loss to Djokovic—a five-set epic that, despite ending in defeat, became a turning point. ‘That match gave me the belief I belonged,’ he says. It was the catalyst for his rise, proving he could compete with—and beat—the best.
Wawrinka’s relationship with Federer is another fascinating chapter. For years, he was overshadowed by his compatriot, often losing before the match even began. Yet, he found a way to turn this into a positive. ‘Roger pushed me to see my weaknesses and improve,’ he explains. Even their infamous 2014 ATP Finals clash, marred by tension with Federer’s wife, Mirka, didn’t derail their partnership. Days later, they united to win Switzerland’s first Davis Cup—a testament to Wawrinka’s ability to compartmentalize and focus on what matters.
As he embarks on his farewell tour, starting with a wildcard at the Australian Open, the stage is set for a bittersweet conclusion. A fourth Grand Slam title is unlikely, but that’s not the point. Wawrinka’s journey is about passion, perseverance, and the refusal to leave anything behind. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In an era dominated by the Big Three, does Wawrinka’s legacy deserve more recognition than it often receives? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
