Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland in motion throughout his first spherical match in opposition to Pavel Kotov of AIN. Picture: REUTERS
LONDON:
Stanislas Wawrinka will hold up his racquet on the finish of 2026, the three-times Grand Slam champion introduced on Friday, bringing down the curtain on a 24-year skilled profession that noticed him gatecrash tennis’s elite throughout the sport’s golden period.
Switzerland’s Wawrinka, who turned skilled in 2002, will flip 41 in March, capping a journey that remodeled him from perennial underdog to giant-killer.
Able to taking part in ferocious tennis throughout all surfaces throughout his peak, the late bloomer’s best triumphs got here when it mattered most, gorgeous the tennis world by defeating the game’s largest names on the grandest levels.
Nicknamed ‘Stanimal’, Wawrinka conquered Rafa Nadal to say the 2014 Australian Open earlier than he toppled Novak Djokovic twice — on the 2015 French Open and 2016 U.S. Open — every time beating the world primary within the remaining.
“Each guide wants an ending. It’s time to put in writing the ultimate chapter of my profession as knowledgeable tennis participant. 2026 can be my final 12 months on tour,” Wawrinka wrote on Instagram.
“I nonetheless wish to push my limits and end this journey on the perfect be aware potential. I nonetheless have desires on this sport. I’ve loved each a part of what tennis has given me, particularly the feelings I really feel taking part in in entrance of you.”
Wawrinka gained 16 ATP titles and had a career-high world rating of three. He additionally captured Olympic doubles gold alongside Roger Federer in 2008 and helped ship Switzerland’s maiden Davis Cup title in 2014.
The announcement comes with Wawrinka at present 157th on the earth after accidents and knee surgical procedures despatched him tumbling down the rankings.
He has not reached a Grand Slam quarter-final because the 2020 Australian Open and can doubtless want wildcards to enter the majors in his farewell season.
After a first-round exit at Roland Garros earlier this 12 months, Wawrinka admitted defeats have been getting more durable to just accept in his profession’s twilight, although he remained enthusiastic about competing.
“I’m trying ahead to seeing you another time, all around the globe. One final push,” he concluded.
