Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka has stated that the 2026 season will be his last as a professional tennis player.
The Swiss star, celebrated for his powerful and graceful one-handed backhand, made the announcement on his social media. “ONE LAST PUSH,” he wrote. “Every book needs an ending. It’s time to write the final chapter of my career… 2026 will be my last year on tour.”
Wawrinka, 40, has won 16 tour level titles. He reached a career high ranking of No.3 in the world. His greatest successes were winning three major tournaments, the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016.
His career has been challenged in recent years by injuries and knee surgeries, which have seen his ranking fall to No. 157. He has not reached the quarter-final stage of a Grand Slam since 2020 and will likely require special invitations to play in the major tournaments during his farewell season.
Despite recent struggles, Wawrinka’s career achievements are significant. He is one of the few players to have beaten each member of the legendary ‘Big Three’, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic at least three times. He also won an Olympic gold medal in doubles with Federer at the 2008 Beijing Games.
A famous tattoo on his left forearm, quoting writer Samuel Beckett, has guided his career. “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.”
Wawrinka is scheduled to begin his final season representing Switzerland at the United Cup team event in Perth, starting on January 2, 2026.