‘Last ditch’ – Wawrinka announces 2026 will be his final year on tour – Tennis Now
The man affectionately known as “The Stanimal” will retire at the end of the 2026 season. Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka announced the news on social media on Friday.
“Last ditch effort,” Wawrinka, 40, wrote. “Every book needs an ending. It’s time to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player. 2026 will be my last year on tour.”
The 16-time ATP champion is currently ranked 157th with 582 ATP wins. Wawrinka reached a career-high third place and achieved legendary status with a 3-0 record in Grand Slam finals – defeating Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final and Novak Djokovic in the 2015 French Open final and the 2016 US Open final.
He has 23 wins in the top five, four against Djokovic, three against Roger Federer and one against Nadal.
Wawrinka’s deadly one-handed backhand is considered one of the best in ATP history.
Although Wawrinka won four and lost 13 in 2025, his passion for the sport later in his career inspired many.
Wawrinka plans to start his season in the Confederations Cup in January.
