Stan Wawrinka Retires: Swiss Tennis Icon Ends Career With Emotional Basel Farewell After Three Grand Slam Titles

BBC Sport · 2026-10-28
Stan Wawrinka Retires: Swiss Tennis Icon Ends Career With Emotional Basel Farewell After Three Grand Slam Titles

Stan Wawrinka, the Swiss tennis star who captured three Grand Slam titles during one of the sport's most competitive eras, has retired after an emotional first-round exit at the Swiss Indoors in Basel. The 39-year-old, known for his thunderous one-handed backhand and fearless play against the 'Big Three', received a standing ovation from his home crowd following a hard-fought defeat. Wawrinka's career highlights include victories at the Australian Open (2014), French Open (2015), and US Open (2016), making him one of only three men to beat Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal in Grand Slam finals. His triumph at Roland Garros in 2015, where he overpowered Djokovic in a stunning final, is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in tennis history. Beyond the titles, Wawrinka's journey from a late bloomer to a major champion resonated with fans worldwide, proving that persistence and self-belief can overcome even the most dominant rivals. As he steps away, the tennis world bids farewell to a true everyman who gatecrashed the era of giants and left an indelible mark on the sport.