As the curtain begins to close on Stan Wawrinka’s illustrious career, one can’t help but marvel at the sheer determination of a man who has truly left it all on the court. But here’s where it gets emotional: at 40 years old, Wawrinka, in the final year of his professional tennis journey, finds himself locked in battles against opponents young enough to be his children. In a recent match, he pushed 23-year-old Flavio Cobolli to the brink, only to see victory slip through his fingers in a tense tie-break. This isn’t just a story of age versus youth; it’s a testament to Wawrinka’s unyielding spirit, even as Father Time knocks on his door.
In theory, announcing his retirement should free Wawrinka to play with abandon, to swing for the fences without fear. But here’s where it gets controversial: life, as Wawrinka candidly admits, isn’t that simple. ‘Of course, I’d love to play more freely,’ he sighs, ‘but I care so much that it’s not that easy.’ This passion, this relentless drive, is both his greatest strength and his heaviest burden. It’s what propelled him to achieve the unthinkable: three Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal in doubles, and a Davis Cup triumph alongside the legendary Roger Federer. Yet, it’s also what makes every missed opportunity sting just a little more.
What sets Wawrinka apart is his ability to stay motivated long after most players would have hung up their rackets. Currently ranked No. 156, he’s the oldest player in the men’s top 1,000, often competing in ATP Challenger events to keep his dream alive. ‘I always enjoyed this journey,’ he reflects. ‘Being a professional tennis player was my dream, and I achieved more than I ever imagined. For me, the most important thing is to fight, to give my maximum, to push my limits, so I never regret it.’ And this is the part most people miss: Wawrinka’s success isn’t just about the trophies; it’s about the relentless pursuit of excellence, even when the odds are stacked against him.
Wawrinka’s career has been defined by his ability to destroy opponents with his sheer power and precision. His single-handed backhand, a lethal blend of elegance and brutality, is unmatched. Yet, his achievements have often been undervalued. For years, he was seen as a player who had ‘made it,’ consistently ranked in the top 20, but never quite breaking through to the next level. Boldly, let’s ask: Was Wawrinka ever truly given the credit he deserved, or was he always in the shadow of the Big Three?
The turning point came in 2013, in an epic Australian Open fourth-round match against Novak Djokovic. Wawrinka lost, but the match was a revelation. ‘It gave me the belief that I belonged with the best,’ he recalls. From there, he went on to win three Grand Slam titles, each in the most improbable fashion: defeating the ATP No. 1 in every final. Nadal in 2014, Djokovic twice—in 2015 and 2016. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Did Wawrinka’s success come despite the Big Three, or because of the lessons they taught him?
For much of his career, Wawrinka was overshadowed by his compatriot, Roger Federer. On court, Federer often seemed to defeat him before the match even began. Off court, Wawrinka’s proximity to Federer was both a blessing and a curse. ‘I only took the positive from it,’ he says. ‘Roger helped me see my weaknesses and pushed me to improve.’ Their relationship was tested in 2014, during a heated ATP Finals semi-final, where tensions boiled over between Wawrinka and Federer’s wife, Mirka. Yet, just days later, they united to win the Davis Cup for Switzerland. Isn’t that the beauty of sport? Rivalries and resentments aside, the greater goal often brings people together.
As Wawrinka embarks on his final tour, starting with a wildcard at the Australian Open, the stage is set for a bittersweet farewell. A fourth Grand Slam title is unlikely, but there will be moments of inspiration, mixed with the inevitable pain of defeat. What’s truly remarkable is how deeply he still feels every win and loss, even after all these years. So, here’s the question for you: In a sport dominated by the Big Three, where does Stan Wawrinka’s legacy truly stand? Is he an underappreciated great, or a testament to the idea that sometimes, giving it your all is the greatest victory of all? Let’s discuss in the comments.
