Swiss star Wawrinka announces 2026 will be his final year on tour
skysports - 12/19/2025 8:49:09 PM - GMT (+2 )

Known for possessing one of the most elegant one-handed backhands in the game, Stan Wawrinka has announced that 2026 will be his last year on tour.

The Swiss player has won 16 tour-level titles, including three Grand Slam trophies, and rose to a career-high No 3 in the ATP rankings.

"ONE LAST PUSH," Wawrinka posted on his social media channels. "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."

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Wawrinka's career hit the heights when he won trophies at the Australian Open in 2014, French Open in 2015 and the US Open in 2016.

The 40-year-old has earned at least three wins against each member of the so-called 'Big Three' - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic - and defeated former world No 1 Andy Murray 10 times.

Wawrinka won his first ATP Tour title in Umag in 2006 and captured his last trophy in Geneva in 2017.

He also represented Switzerland at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and won gold in the doubles with Roger Federer.

Wawrinka claimed his maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne thanks to a four-set win against Nadal to earn him the new moniker of 'Grand Slam Stan'.

A year later at Roland Garros he defied the odds to record a famous victory over then world No 1 Djokovic and he added his third major title in New York when he crashed the Djokovic party once again by claiming a four-set success.

He always lives by the tattoo on his left forearm in italic script that quotes the Irish writer Samuel Beckett: "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better."

Wawrinka is set to open his final season in Perth at the United Cup, which begins 2 January.

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Highlights from the Shanghai Masters between Stan Wawrinka and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
What's so special about the Wawrinka backhand?
Image: The Wawrinka backhand is pure mastery - early prep, steady movement, and weight behind the ball

'Stan The Man' has arguably the best backhand in the game and unleashes it with not only ferocious power but also pinpoint accuracy.

It is different to his rivals' backhands, largely because he adopts an open stance side on and drills directly into the ball, which means it carries little top spin and arrives at his opponents far earlier and flatter than they are used to.

Watch the ATP and WTA Tours in 2026, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.



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