Full Breakdown
Stan Wawrinka Ends Illustrious Career with Basel Farewell Loss
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Final Match and Retirement
On October 27 at Basel’s St. Jakobshalle, the 41-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion played his last ATP-tour match. In the first round of the Swiss Indoors he faced 24-year-old Czech eighth seed Jiri Lehecka, who won in straight sets. Reported scores vary between 7-5, 7-6 and 5-7, 6-7 (2-7). The match lasted 1 hour 50 minutes, and Wawrinka’s final shot was a backhand that landed wide to a vociferous home crowd. After the loss he thanked the spectators, calling the farewell “perfect” despite the defeat.
02
Career Highlights & Context
Wawrinka turned professional in 2002 and announced in December 2025 that the 2026 season would be his last. Over a 24-year career he:
- Won three Grand Slam titles, defeating the world No. 1 in each final—Rafael Nadal (2014 Australian Open), Novak Djokovic (2015 French Open) and the 2016 US Open.
- Reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 3 in 2014.
- Captured 16 tour-level singles titles and played 985 ATP matches.
- Partnered with Roger Federer to win Olympic doubles gold in 2008 and helped Switzerland secure its first Davis Cup title in 2014.
- Recorded a 17-17 record at the Swiss Indoors, making his 19th and final appearance at the event where his professional journey began in 2003.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
Swipe across the table to see all columns.
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam singles titles | 3 |
| Tour-level singles titles | 16 |
| Highest ranking | No. 3 (2014) |
| ATP matches played | 985 |
| Swiss Indoors appearances | 19 |
| Basel match record (overall) | 17-17 |
| Age at retirement | 41 |
| Final match score (reported) | 7-5, 7-6 / 5-7, 6-7 (2-7) |
04
Official Statements & Responses
Tournament organizers highlighted the evening as a “tribute” woven into the regular schedule, promising “emotional moments, memories and surprises” for the home crowd.
05
On-the-Ground Reports
The 9,200-seat arena filled with standing ovations as Wawrinka entered Centre Court. Music shifted from “Felicità” to Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” during his lap of honor. Fans applauded repeatedly—once after his introduction, again at 5-4 in the second set, and finally as he exited the court for the last time.
06
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact set scores. *bozemandailychronicle* and *abc* list 7-5, 7-6, while *bluewin* records 5-7, 6-7 (2-7). No official match-statistics sheet has been released to reconcile the discrepancy.
07
Verbatim Quote
“For me, all I wanted in my career was to give everything, to have no regrets, to always fight, to always give 100 per cent in every match — out of respect for myself, for the opponent, for the tournament, for the fans, for everybody.” — Stan Wawrinka