"I’m sad, but I’ve got a smile on my face”: Stan Wawrinka ends legendary career with emotional Basel farewell
ATP
Stan Wawrinka brought his remarkable professional career to an emotional end at the Swiss Indoors Basel, where he faced Jiri Lehecka in the first round on Tuesday. The Swiss fought until the final moments but ultimately suffered a 7-5, 7-6 defeat in front of his home crowd.
The 41-year-old received an invitation from the tournament organizers to compete one last time, allowing him to say goodbye to tennis on his own terms. His professional journey began in 2003 and included three Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal in doubles, and 16 ATP Tour singles trophies.
Although Wawrinka could not force a deciding set, he produced a competitive performance against Lehecka. His final shot as a professional was a backhand that landed out, bringing an end to a career spanning more than two decades.
The defeat marked the end of an era for Swiss tennis. Wawrinka leaves the sport as one of his generation's most accomplished players, remembered for his powerful one-handed backhand and his ability to challenge the biggest names on the sport's greatest stages.
Wawrinka fights until the end before emotional farewell in Basel
Wawrinka's final match was a closely contested encounter, but Lehecka proved more effective in the decisive moments. The Czech secured the opening set 7-5 before winning the second-set tiebreak to complete a straight-sets victory and end the Swiss veteran's professional career.
Speaking during his on-court interview, Wawrinka acknowledged his opponent's quality while reflecting on the significance of the occasion.
“Yes, it was obviously a tough match—he’s just a very good player. He was better in the decisive moments, but that’s just how it goes. For me, it was something very special to be here one last time,” Wawrinka said.
The Swiss would have liked to play another match, but his career had reached its conclusion. Fighting back tears, he admitted how difficult it was to accept the moment while managing to smile in front of the spectators who had come to support him.
“It’s tough tonight—it’s tough. I’m sad, but I’ve got a smile on my face,” he added.
Wawrinka also thanked the crowd, his family, friends, and team for supporting him throughout his career. He credited their presence with helping him continue competing for so long, making his final appearance in Switzerland particularly meaningful.
“The support has been extraordinary,” he told the audience. “Thank you for being there all these years,” he added, acknowledging those who had accompanied him throughout more than 20 years on tour.
Despite the defeat, Wawrinka was grateful to have been able to choose the setting for his farewell. Rather than ending his career away from home, he had the opportunity to share the moment with Swiss tennis fans who had followed his achievements throughout the years.
“Having this opportunity to end a career spanning more than 20 years here at home in Switzerland is the perfect ending for me."
Three Grand Slam titles and an extraordinary tennis legacy
Wawrinka retires with three Grand Slam titles, 16 ATP Tour singles trophies, and an Olympic gold medal in men's doubles. His achievements established him among the leading players of his generation, despite competing during an era dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.
The Swiss captured his first major title at the 2014 Australian Open, defeating Nadal in the final to claim his maiden Grand Slam championship. The victory demonstrated that he could overcome the sport's leading players and compete for its biggest prizes.
Wawrinka followed that breakthrough with an impressive triumph at the 2015 French Open, defeating Djokovic in the final at Roland Garros. He then claimed his third major at the 2016 US Open, beating the Serbian again to establish himself as a three-time Grand Slam champion.
Those victories were particularly significant given the level of competition he faced. While Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic dominated much of men's tennis, Wawrinka repeatedly found a way to challenge them on the biggest stages. His performances in Melbourne, Paris, and New York remain the defining highlights of his career.
Beyond his Grand Slam success, Wawrinka partnered Federer to win Olympic gold in men's doubles at the 2008 Beijing Games. He also reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3, confirming his status among the best players on the ATP Tour.
His one-handed backhand became one of the most recognizable shots in tennis, combining power and precision to trouble even the strongest opponents. Across 985 matches at the highest level, Wawrinka built a reputation as a formidable competitor capable of producing his best tennis when the stakes were highest.
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Although he could not secure one last victory, he was able to close his career in front of his home crowd and thank the people who had supported him throughout his journey.
Wawrinka leaves professional tennis with a legacy that stands on its own: three Grand Slam titles, Olympic gold, and more than two decades of memorable performances. His final backhand may have landed out, but his achievements will remain an enduring part of tennis history.
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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