Stan Wawrinka lost 7-5 7-6 (7-2) to world number 21 Jiri Lehecka in Basel on Tuesday, but the defeat closed a career that ended as it lived, with fight and emotion. It was the final tour-level match of the 41-year-old Swiss star’s career.
Whether through technique or toil, Wawrinka has always been able to whip fans into a frenzy. That ability never left him, even in his last match. The former world number three lost in front of passionate home support, but he did not leave the court without showing the hallmarks of a career that exceeded expectations.
There was the stylish one-handed backhand down the line, the finger pointing to the temple, and the demand for more noise from the stands. There was the roar of “Allez!” after he won a point he probably should not have won. There was also the temptation to snap his racquet over his knee after missing a shot he felt he should have made.
Wawrinka, his family, and his team were dabbing their eyes once the reality of the honorable defeat set in. It marked the end of a professional career spanning 23 years, 985 matches, and three Grand Slam titles.
“All I wanted in my career was to give everything, have no regrets, to always fight, to always give 100% in every match, out of respect for myself, the opponent, the tournament, the fans, for everybody,” Wawrinka told the ATP website.
“That was always the most important thing for more than 20 years, and the only way you can leave the sport, without any regrets.”
In recent seasons, the world number 151 showed a willingness to drop down to the ATP Challenger Tour, a sign of his enduring love for the game, which he knew owed him nothing.
A Career Built on Relatability
Millions of fans love Wawrinka because he is relatable. He was an everyman who reached the pinnacle of his sport by pushing himself to the limit.
Many talented players of his generation lamented the presence of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, believing the “Big Three” was a blockade preventing them from becoming Grand Slam champions. Wawrinka did not accept that barrier. With explosive shot-making, relentless endurance, and an indomitable spirit, he barreled past the trio on his way to winning three majors.
His career ticked along steadily rather than spectacularly until he lifted one of the sport’s biggest prizes at age 28. Seeded eighth at the 2014 Australian Open, he saw off Djokovic in the quarterfinals before completing an unforeseen triumph against top seed Nadal.
“I never expected to win a Grand Slam because, for me, I was not good enough to beat those guys,” Wawrinka admitted as he clutched the trophy in Melbourne.
In fact, he was more than good enough, and he proved it again and again. At the 2015 French Open, he brushed past fellow Swiss Federer in the quarterfinals, then demolished Djokovic in the final with a display of unrelenting power. That performance must be ranked among the greatest of his era.
His last major title came at the 2016 US Open. He escaped from match point down against Britain’s Dan Evans in the third round and went on to beat Djokovic for the title.
Wawrinka was the only man outside of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Andy Murray to win multiple Grand Slam singles titles between 2006 and 2022. It is little wonder that 24-time major champion Djokovic, widely considered the greatest player of all time, called Wawrinka a “legend.”
“Stan’s had an incredible career. The competitor he is on court, talent, strength, power, precision, he had it all,” said the 39-year-old Serb, who practiced with Wawrinka in Basel.
Good Enough to Win Majors, but Not Always Consistent
Wawrinka was good enough to win majors, but he was not as consistently good as his illustrious rivals. The “Big Three” is often expanded to a “Big Four” that includes Britain’s three-time major champion Andy Murray, who soared to world number one, won two Olympic singles gold medals, and lifted the ATP Finals trophy.
Wawrinka recognized he was “really far” from creating a “Big Five,” and the evidence supports that view. Spending 267 weeks in the top 10, winning one Masters 1000 title, and claiming 15 other tour-level titles falls well short of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray. Still, those numbers are more than most players can dream of achieving.
The Grand Slam triumphs set Wawrinka apart from most peers. Coupled with his commendable attitude, they explain why “Stan the Man” will be remembered as a great in his own right, emerging from a golden generation where others came up short.
After turning professional in 2002, Wawrinka won 590 tour-level matches and claimed 16 titles. His one-handed backhand is regularly cited as one of the most impressive shots in the men’s game.
Wawrinka was honored with a glitzy farewell ceremony, featuring speeches, music, and entertainment, in Basel on Monday night.