Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka confirms 2026 will be his final season, aiming for a top-100 ranking and major tournaments before retiring.
PERTH: Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka says he is “at peace” with his decision to retire after the 2026 season.
The 40-year-old Swiss star confirmed the upcoming United Cup in Perth marks the beginning of his final year on tour.
“Of course, I’m still passionate about the game, about the sport I love,” Wawrinka said.
He acknowledged he will miss the emotions and fan support from playing around the world.
“The last few months, I’ve had time to decide whether it will be my last year or not, and for me, it’s quite clear. I’m happy with the decision, I’m at peace with that.”
Wawrinka won the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016 during the era of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.
Now ranked 157th after injury struggles, the former world number three insists he still has objectives.
“I still want to play some good tennis, I still have goals. Hopefully I can come back in the top 100, finish on a good ranking,” he stated.
He aims to play a full season at the major tournaments to see where his ranking stands.
Wawrinka’s 16 ATP titles include an Olympic doubles gold with Roger Federer in 2008 and a pivotal role in Switzerland’s 2014 Davis Cup victory.
He will lead the Swiss team at the United Cup, grouped with France and Italy alongside world number 11 Belinda Bencic.
