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Wawrinka’s 24-Year Career Ends After Basel Loss

By Drooid · Oct 28, 2026, 15:02 UTC · How we work

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Summary

Stan Wawrinka lost 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) to Jiri Lehecka in Basel, ending his 24-year career.
He announced in December 2025 that the 2026 season would be his final year.
In 2026 he competed in all four majors, reaching the Australian Open third round.
Wawrinka earned $38,589,579 and peaked at No. 3 in January 2014.
He claimed 16 ATP titles, including the 2014 Australian Open, 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open.

Summary

The Swiss Indoors opening ceremony honored Stan Wawrinka with a standing ovation and a golden ball trophy.
Novak Djokovic requested to attend the farewell but was unable to be present.
Video messages from Roger Federer, John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova were shown during the tribute.
Swiss singer Bastian Baker performed a custom rendition of “Lucky” for the retiring champion.

History

By the time Björn Borg announced his January 1983 retirement at 26, he had amassed 11 Grand Slam crowns, 66 ATP titles and a record $3.6 million in prize money, achievements that helped popularize tennis in the 1970s. His dominance—highlighted by a 49-match winning streak in 1978 and rivalries with John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors—set a precedent for later marquee exits such as Stan Wawrinka’s 2026 farewell.

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Historical Context

By the time Björn Borg announced his January 1983 retirement at 26, he had amassed 11 Grand Slam crowns, 66 ATP titles and a record $3.6 million in prize money, achievements that helped popularize tennis in the 1970s. His dominance—highlighted by a 49-match winning streak in 1978 and rivalries with John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors—set a precedent for later marquee exits such as Stan Wawrinka’s 2026 farewell.

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