Wawrinka does not want to retire so quickly: "I still have a full year of tennis left, there are many tournaments to play"
The Swiss is getting ready for his last season as a professional tennis player: "It's going to be very special to play for the last time in all those tournaments where I've participated so many times."
Stan Wawrinka bids farewell to tennis in 2026. An authentic legend of this sport will hang up his racket after 25 years as a professional tennis player and at the age of 40. Along the way, he leaves behind three Grand Slams (Australian Open 2014, Roland Garros 2015, US Open 2016), 16 ATP titles, and one of the best one-handed backhands remembered.
But before starting his farewell, Wawrinka wants to continue enjoying tennis. That is the main reason why he will continue for one more year, driven by the love and passion for this sport. While awaiting a very emotional season, filled with events and farewells, the Swiss starts the year at the United Cup with a very demanding debut against Arthur Rinderknech.
Before his match with the French player, he attended a press conference to reflect on his highly successful career and what awaits him in his last year as a professional, as well as the formula for having endured so many years in an increasingly tough and demanding circuit.
Stan Wawrinka, prepared for his tennis farewell in 2026
"It will be special, but it will be my last year. So, after over 20 years on the circuit, it will certainly be very special to play all those tournaments for the last time in which I have participated so many times."
"But, at the same time, a year is a long time. There is much tennis to play, hopefully, and some good results. I am very grateful to be able to play in those tournaments for the last time, once more, and see all the fans from around the world."
After 25 years, he will play for the first time in Perth
"I am very happy to be here, thanks to Belinda for qualifying the Swiss team. It is the second time I play the United Cup. I am very excited. I think it is amazing to be here and that we can play men and women, play mixed doubles to start the year here. I am looking forward to playing for the first time in Perth."
Overwhelmed by all the messages he has received from fans
"Of course, it is always nice to receive so many messages and so much support. As I always say, I am passionate about this sport. I enjoy being on tour, traveling, playing in front of all the fans from all over the world. That is one of the reasons why I have kept playing for so long. It is to play in front of the fans."
"It is incredible, but as I said, I have announced that this will be my last year, but I still have a full year of tennis ahead. There are many tournaments to play. Yes, I hope to enjoy it and achieve good results."
He has no regrets about making this decision
"As I have always done, I try to push my limits. Being an athlete means always giving your best, exceeding your own limits, and trying to achieve the highest possible with your own abilities. Of course, sometimes it will be difficult in tournaments. It will be very emotional because I know how I feel and who I am, and I love this sport a lot, but overall, I am very content with my decision. I am at peace with it. I am happy to have the opportunity to continue playing at this level at the age of 40. As I said, I hope to achieve good results this year."
One of his goals for 2026 is to avoid any injuries
"That is the most challenging part when you get older in sports as an athlete. The risk of injuries increases each year, especially after 35. I have had enough injuries in recent years."
"I feel good, and one of my goals is to finish playing tennis and not have to quit after 20 years due to an injury. Yes, that is one of the reasons why I reached the point of wanting this to be my final year, to end on a good note. I hope it goes that way."
His recipe for maintaining top-level tennis at 40
"Unfortunately, in sports, there are no tricks. If there were, we would all have them. It is many things together. Passion for the sport. I have always tried to do the right thing from the beginning of my career. I have always played for the long term, always sacrificed some tournaments, not to overdo it when I was younger. I have always sought a long-term career."
"Yes, I have also had some serious injuries. Especially after 35, I was out for two or three years in total. So, it has not always been easy, but you know, sacrifice and self-discipline are the most important when you want to play for such a long time in this sport," says a Stan Wawrinka who, besides enjoying his last year on the circuit, will not lose sight of his competitive spirit and currently focuses on the United Cup 2026.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Wawrinka no quiere que lo retiren tan rápido: "Aún me queda un año completo de tenis, hay muchos torneos por jugar"