As he embarks on the final season of a storied professional career, Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka is reflecting on a journey defined by explosive power, monumental victories, and an unwavering passion that has outlasted nearly all of his peers.
A Champion's Mindset: Fighting Until the End
Now 40 years old and ranked world No. 156, Wawrinka recently confirmed that 2026 will be his last year on tour. The decision, however, hasn't simplified the complex emotions of competition. "Of course I would love to play more freely. And sometimes I tell myself: 'Just play freely,'" Wawrinka admitted in Melbourne. "But I care so much that it's not that easy."
That deep-seated care has been the engine of a career that saw him achieve the near-impossible: winning three Grand Slam singles titles during the dominant era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. To this day, he remains the oldest player inside the ATP's top 1,000, still willing to grind in lower-tier Challenger events to compete.
"I always enjoyed this journey," Wawrinka stated. "I achieved way more than I could dream. So, for me, the most important thing is to always fight, always give the maximum... to not ever regret it at the end of your career."
Overcoming Doubt to Topple Giants
For years, Wawrinka's career trajectory seemed fixed. A perennial top-20 player, he faced a daunting mental barrier against the sport's titans. On the eve of the 2014 Australian Open, his record stood at 0-12 against Nadal, 1-13 against Federer, and he was on a 14-match losing streak against Djokovic.
The turning point came in a heartbreaking yet transformative five-set defeat to Djokovic in the fourth round of the 2013 Australian Open. "This match was a turning point in my career," Wawrinka recalled. "It gave me self-belief that I was ready and that I could fight with the top players in the world and maybe beat them."
That belief fuelled a spectacular ascent. He famously broke through to win his first major at the 2014 Australian Open, defeating Nadal in the final. He then mastered the clay of Roland Garros in 2015 and the hard courts of Flushing Meadows in 2016, dismantling Djokovic in both finals. Remarkably, he beat the world No. 1 in all three of his Grand Slam finals.
Legacy of a Destructive Shot-Maker
Wawrinka will be remembered as one of the most ferocious ball-strikers the sport has ever witnessed. His single-handed backhand, a blend of elegance and raw power, became a weapon feared by all. His achievements, carved out against the greatest generation of players, ensure his legacy is secure.
Reflecting on his two-decade career, which also includes an Olympic doubles gold medal and a Davis Cup title won alongside Federer in 2014, Wawrinka is at peace. "I really believe that I squeezed the lemon until the last drop," he said. "That's the only way I can leave this sport without any regrets."
His final campaign continues with a wildcard entry into the 2026 Australian Open, the scene of his greatest breakthrough. While a fairytale fourth major is unlikely, Wawrinka's enduring capacity to feel the intense joy and pain of competition, after all these years, stands as a triumph in itself.
