Stan Wawrinka's Farewell Year: A Reflection on a Stellar Career

Stanislas “Stan” Wawrinka, a prominent figure in professional tennis, has announced that 2026 will be his final year on the ATP Tour. At 40 years old, Wawrinka reflects on a career marked by significant achievements, including three Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal in doubles. As he prepares for his farewell season, he expresses a sense of fulfillment, stating, “I really believe that I squeezed the lemon until the last drop,” indicating he has maximized his potential in the sport.

'I squeezed the lemon until the last drop' – Wawrinka has no regrets ahead of farewell year

Wawrinka's journey to success was not straightforward. Until the age of 28, he struggled to break through the ranks, often finding himself overshadowed by contemporaries like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. His turning point came during a grueling match against Djokovic at the 2013 Australian Open, which, despite being a loss, instilled in him the confidence to compete at the highest level. This newfound belief propelled him to victory in three Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016, where he defeated top-ranked players in each final.

The Guardian'I squeezed the lemon until the last drop' – Wawrinka has no regrets ahead of farewell year

Wawrinka's career has been intertwined with that of Roger Federer, who has been both a rival and a mentor. Despite a lopsided head-to-head record favoring Federer, Wawrinka credits their relationship for helping him improve his game. He acknowledges the positive influence of competing alongside Federer, stating, “Even if he beat me most of the time, he put me in a position to see my weakness and how I should get better.” Their collaboration culminated in a Davis Cup victory for Switzerland in 2014.

'I squeezed the lemon until the last drop' – Wawrinka has no regrets ahead of farewell yearThe Guardian

Wawrinka has articulated his feelings about his career and impending retirement, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey. He acknowledges the challenges of playing at an advanced age, particularly due to injuries that have affected his performance and ranking. However, he remains committed to giving his all in his final matches, stating, “I always enjoyed this journey... the most important thing is to always fight, always give the maximum.”

The Guardian

Despite his accomplishments, Wawrinka's achievements have often been undervalued, particularly in comparison to his more celebrated peers. He has faced doubts throughout his career, especially during periods of struggle against top players. Wawrinka himself has expressed the internal conflict of wanting to play freely while grappling with the weight of expectations and his passion for the sport.

The Guardian

As Wawrinka embarks on his farewell tour, he has received a wildcard entry for the Australian Open, the site of his first Grand Slam victory. While he acknowledges that a fairytale ending with a fourth Grand Slam title is unlikely, he remains optimistic about the moments of inspiration that lie ahead. His journey will continue to resonate with fans, showcasing the enduring spirit of a player who has given everything to the sport he loves.

The Guardian

• “At the end, I really believe that I squeezed the lemon until the last drop.” — Stan Wawrinka

'I squeezed the lemon until the last drop' – Wawrinka has no regrets ahead of farewell year

• “I made it happen. I achieved way more than I could dream. So, of course, for me, the most important thing is to always fight, always give the maximum, always push my own limit to not ever regret it at the end of your career. And also enjoying this life even when it’s difficult.” — Stan Wawrinka

The Guardian

• “This match was a turning point in my career, that’s for sure,” — Stan Wawrinka

The Guardian

• “I’m always someone who’s going to take the positive of a situation, and I got only positive by arriving [after Federer],” — Stan Wawrinka

The Guardian

Wawrinka's farewell year promises to be a poignant chapter in the narrative of a player who has left an indelible mark on tennis history.

The Guardian