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Swiss tennis icon Stan Wawrinka has brought his storied 24-year professional career to a close, bowing out at the ATP 500-level Basel Open in his home country on Tuesday. The 41-year-old fell to Czech player Jiri Lehecka in the opening round, losing 7-5, 7-6 (7/2), marking the end of a career that saw him rise to world number three and etch his name among tennis’s elite.
Wawrinka’s three Grand Slam titles—the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016—stand as a remarkable achievement in an era when Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic dominated the sport. According to the Jamaica Observer, Wawrinka and Andy Murray were the only players to win multiple majors during this period of dominance. "I was lucky enough to be able to play alongside them and sometimes beat them," Wawrinka reflected in 2024.
The Lausanne native’s farewell at Basel was tinged with emotion, as the partisan home crowd greeted nearly every point and signature backhand with roaring approval. Though Lehecka proved too strong on the day, Wawrinka completed a lap of honour to acknowledge the supporters who had cheered him throughout his career.
Beyond his Grand Slam success, Wawrinka’s legacy includes an Olympic gold medal in doubles from the 2008 Beijing Games, which he won alongside compatriot Federer, and a Davis Cup title for Switzerland. His influence on the sport extended beyond singles competition, showcasing the versatility and competitive spirit that defined his career.
Fans will have one final opportunity to see Wawrinka in action this year. The Swiss star announced plans for a farewell exhibition event titled "One last backhand" scheduled for December 19 in Geneva, where both Federer and Murray are expected to appear, bringing together three of the generation’s most accomplished players for a celebratory send-off.
Stan Wawrinka’s career spanned nearly a quarter-century in professional tennis, during which he established himself as one of the sport’s most dangerous competitors despite competing in an era dominated by three of the greatest players in history. His ability to defeat Nadal and Djokovic in major finals demonstrated his capacity to perform at the highest level when it mattered most.
Sources and attribution
- Jamaica Observer
- Stan Wawrinka retires: Three-time Grand Slam champion's career ends with Basel defeat
- Former Grand Slam winner Wawrinka ends tennis career
- ONE LAST BACKHAND – Stan Wawrinka's farewell night – Palexpo
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