Wawrinka is very clear: "I am happy to retire while still competitive, I feel at peace with my decision"

Carlos Navarro | 16 Jan 2026 | 02.31

Wawrinka spoke in the lead-up to the Australian Open. Source: Getty

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Stan Wawrinka returns to the garden of his memories, the place where he began his legend. It is impossible not to associate each edition of the Open de Australia with the Swiss player: here, he started his journey in the big leagues over a decade ago, in 2014, when he defeated Rafael Nadal and became a Grand Slam champion. He would go on to win two more Major titles, but perhaps none as special as the first one, in a Melbourne that surrendered to his feet and his tennis.

Twelve years later, the Swiss player returns home under completely different circumstances. It is his farewell year from professional tennis, and after moments of doubts and hesitations, the organization finally decided to give him a well-deserved invitation. Before his debut against Laslo Djere, Stan attended a press conference to analyze his great start of the year in the United Cup, the reasons behind his retirement decision, and some pleasant memories of his adventures in Oceania that surely will delight any tennis fan.

Wawrinka shares his emotions before his last Open de Australia and describes the tough moments before making the retirement decision

- His outstanding performances in the United Cup, proving he is still fully competitive

"The United Cup was great. So far, everything has gone smoothly in Australia. It was fantastic to play in such an event. Belinda (Bencic) was at a fabulous level. The team was great. Reaching the final was very satisfying for us; we would have loved to win, but we had a great time on court. I am very happy with my tennis level; everything is going well. The preparation has been phenomenal, the preseason has been very good, and I am still working to maintain my level. I am looking forward to the action here."

- The reasoning behind the retirement decision and how difficult it was to confirm that 2026 is his last year

"By the end of last year, between October, November, and December, I already had things on my mind. Throughout last year, I was still not sure, I knew I wanted to continue, I was happy playing, and in fact, I still am. However, suddenly, by the end of last year, I realized clearly that 2026 should be my last season. It was not a complicated decision; it was very easy. I am very happy with this decision; I am at peace. I am looking forward to this year. A year of tennis is a long time; the year is very long, and I am not going to get younger. I am also happy to play this season while still being competitive, playing well. I did not want to suddenly stop due to an injury or similar issues that can happen at this level. I still feel passion for this sport. I am fully focused. It felt like the right way to leave."

- Comparing the era of Roger or Rafa, when he entered the circuit, with that of Jannik and Carlos, as he exits

"I do not compare them. I do not compare generations. I enjoy both. I enjoy watching them play and I enjoy having played against them. I see it as a tennis enthusiast: the level of these last 20 years, with different generations, has been incredible to witness. As a competitor, facing them has been a delight. Always a tremendous challenge. Last year, the level of Sinner and Alcaraz was impressive. They will continue in that direction: as a tennis fan, you just have to enjoy it."

- Adjustments in his game to stay competitive in the recent seasons

"I have not been as high in the rankings in recent years (smiles). Right now, I am world No. 130. The most important thing was myself. Yes, you have to face your opponents, but I have always wanted to be the best version of a tennis player I could be. It has always been about exploring my limits at the tennis, physical, and mental levels, trying to reach the highest point I could achieve. Then you face different players and generations, but you do not focus on the opponents you face; you focus on yourself."

- About his backhand and the evolution it has undergone: when has he enjoyed it the most? Has he felt it as a burden, playing with a one-handed backhand, at any time?

"I have always enjoyed that stroke, and it has won me many matches. It has helped me achieve incredible things. The passion for this sport, the passion for the one-handed backhand, has always been the same, more or less, throughout my career. Ultimately, as I have said, I have always wanted to push myself to the limit, trying to give my best version. When you pass 30 or 35 years, that becomes more complicated, of course, but as long as you are honest with yourself and know what you can achieve, where you want to go, the passion will remain."

- Regarding the ATP's plans to reduce 250 tournaments and the new Masters 1000 in Saudi Arabia

"We need to see what will happen; for now, they are adding more tennis than they are removing. The calendar is longer, and the tournaments are bigger. Currently, the season is very long. The tournaments are very lengthy. You have Masters 1000 events becoming longer, with 10-day events and finals even on Wednesdays. I would say the calendar is too scattered and disorderly. It is difficult for the younger generation to accept that they need to sacrifice some tournaments and some money at the end of the year to prioritize their health. We will see the direction the circuit takes in the coming seasons."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Wawrinka lo tiene claro: "Estoy feliz de retirarme siendo competitivo, me siento en paz con mi decisión"