A goodbye fit for a champion: Stan Wawrinka honored with emotional tribute after Gstaad farewell
ATPWednesday, 15 July 2026 at 00:30
Stan Wawrinka's final appearance at the Swiss Open Gstaad ended with a first-round defeat, but the Swiss legend received a farewell worthy of his remarkable career. After falling to Portugal's Jaime Faria 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-4, Wawrinka was honored by tournament organizers with a special tribute celebrating his long connection with the Swiss clay-court event.
The 41-year-old showed flashes of the level that made him a three-time Grand Slam champion but could not overcome the younger Faria after two hours and 38 minutes of battle. Wawrinka won a dramatic opening-set tiebreak, but the Portuguese player responded strongly, saving important break opportunities before completing the comeback.
Despite the defeat, the moment belonged to Wawrinka. The home crowd at the Roy Emerson Arena gave the Swiss veteran a standing ovation as he said goodbye to a tournament that has played a special role throughout his career.
Wawrinka first competed in Gstaad more than two decades ago, making his ATP Tour debut at the event in 2002. Since then, he has built a unique connection with the tournament, reaching the singles final in 2005 and winning the doubles title alongside Dominic Stricker in 2023.
Wawrinka receives special tribute in Gstaad
Following his final match, tournament organizers celebrated Wawrinka’s legacy with a unique gift: a custom pair of skis featuring the same distinctive geometric design as the shorts he wore during his unforgettable 2015 Roland Garros title run.
The tribute was a nod to one of the most iconic moments of Wawrinka’s career. During that tournament, the Swiss delivered one of the greatest performances of his career, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final to lift his second Grand Slam trophy while wearing the now-famous outfit that became part of his image.
The choice of skis also carried a special connection to Wawrinka’s Swiss roots. By combining a symbol of Switzerland’s winter culture with a reference to one of his greatest tennis achievements, Gstaad organizers created a farewell gift that celebrated both the champion and the country he represents.
A present for Wawrinka from the home crowd 🎁⛷️
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) July 14, 2026
He exits the Swiss Open Gstaad for the final time 🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/6mgAgXaeyb
Wawrinka's farewell tour continues
Although his Gstaad campaign ended earlier than he hoped, Wawrinka's farewell tour is not over. The former world No. 3 continues to compete during his final season, with the possibility of one more Grand Slam appearance still on the table.
His ranking currently leaves him outside the expected US Open main draw cutoff, meaning he may need a wild card or a run through qualifying to compete in New York.
However, regardless of what happens next, Gstaad provided a memorable goodbye. After more than 20 years of history between Wawrinka and the tournament, the Swiss champion left the court surrounded by appreciation from the fans who watched his career unfold.
Read also
Stan Wawrinka – Gstaad Campaigns (2003–2026, record: 10-14 )
| Year | Round Reached | Lost To | Score |
| 2003 | 1R | Jean-René Lisnard | 6-2, 6-1, 7-5 |
| 2004 | 1R | Rubén Ramírez Hidalgo | 7-6(5), 6-4 |
| 2005 | Final | Gastón Gaudio | 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2006 | 1R | Andrei Pavel | 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) |
| 2007 | 1R | Martín Vassallo Argüello | 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 |
| 2008 | Semifinal | Victor Hănescu | 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 |
| 2009 | Round of 16 | Thomaz Bellucci | 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2011 | Quarterfinal | Marcel Granollers | 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2012 | Round of 16 | Paul-Henri Mathieu | 7-6(3), 7-6(8) |
| 2013 | Quarterfinal | Feliciano López | 6-4, 2-6, 4-3 RET |
| 2023 | Round of 16 | Jaume Munar | 7-6(3), 6-1 |
| 2024 | 1R | Lukáš Klein | 7-6(4), 2-6, 7-5 |
| 2025 | 1R | Alexander Shevchenko | 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2026 | 1R | Jaime Faria | 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-4 |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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