Wawrinka gets emotional in his farewell to the clay court: "It's the best possible farewell"

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Stan Wawrinka played his last match on clay at the Estoril ATP. The Swiss, who will retire at the end of the season, definitively closed this chapter on the surface where he built a large part of his legacy, winning Roland Garros and claiming seven of his sixteen ATP titles.

The defeat against Argentine Román Andrés Burruchaga in the first round of the Portuguese tournament had a much deeper significance than just an elimination. At 41 years old, Wawrinka faces the last months of his career, and Estoril marked his final farewell from the red clay, a surface he always considered crucial in his development as a tennis player. The tournament paid tribute to this moment by presenting him with a commemorative plaque on the court after the match.

An emotional goodbye to his favorite surface

Although the tribute drew much attention, Wawrinka did not hide his disappointment at falling in his debut. The Swiss explained he never managed to adapt to very challenging playing conditions due to the wind and regretted not taking better advantage at the beginning of the third set.

"It was a tough loss. The conditions were difficult at the start because of the wind. I couldn't find my rhythm quickly. I tried to fight and stay in the match. I should have played a bit better at the beginning of the third set, but the match slipped away from me, and he got the win," he stated.

Despite the outcome, the three-time Grand Slam champion chose to focus on the perspective that this moment offers. Like any competitor, he acknowledged that losing is never pleasant, but he affirmed that the affection he received throughout the week turned the farewell into an unforgettable memory.

"No competitor likes to lose. But in the end, I put things into perspective. Having the opportunity to be here, with so many fans and so much support, is the best goodbye I could have on clay," he stated.

Estoril, a very special place in his career

The Estoril ATP will always hold a special place in Wawrinka's memory. It was there where he clinched the title in 2013, a triumph he considers the beginning of the best period of his entire sporting career. That is why he insisted on returning this year, taking advantage of the tournament's date change to bid farewell to a surface that brought him so much joy.

The Swiss confessed that the most valuable aspect of the week was not the result but the affection received from the Portuguese public and the organization. "For me, that's the most important thing: receiving so much love, so much support, and seeing so many kids here. It was incredible. The support from the tournament was amazing. That's the memory I will take from this week," he revealed.

He then emotionally recalled the title he won over a decade ago and explained why he felt he had unfinished business with Estoril. "I won the title here in 2013. It was an incredible week for me and the start of the best stage of my career. They are very special memories. I tried to come back other times, but it was never easy due to the calendar and injuries. Now, with the tournament date change, it made sense to include it in my schedule after Gstaad. I wanted to return," he shared.

The US Open, the main goal before retirement

The American swing will be one of the final chapters in the Swiss player's career. Currently positioned outside the Top 100, Wawrinka relies on wildcards to participate in some major tournaments. However, he hopes to return one last time to Flushing Meadows, where he lifted the trophy in 2016.

"I have requested a wildcard for the US Open. I hope to play there for the last time," he confirmed. With his sights set on a potential comeback to New York, the Swiss has already planned his preparation. "There is also a Challenger in Cancun. If I secure the invitation for New York, I will play that Challenger to get ready," he detailed.

Wawrinka also acknowledged that he is still fine-tuning his calendar for his final months as a professional and has only confirmed his presence in two tournaments. "I am only guaranteed to play in the Lyon and Basel tournaments. I will still decide if I play more tournaments," he mentioned.

An indelible legacy on clay

Although his Estoril journey ended sooner than he would have liked, Wawrinka opted to focus on the positive feelings from his return to Portugal and all the experiences off the court during those days.

"I am trying to maintain a good level, plan an appropriate schedule, and play in the tournaments that I have always enjoyed. Unfortunately, my week here was very short. But I am very happy to have returned. The organization is incredible, both for the players and the fans. I also had the chance to explore Cascais a bit. It is a very special place," he concluded.

With those words, Stan Wawrinka's clay court story definitively concluded. It was the surface where he found his identity as a player, where he won Roland Garros 2015, the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 in 2014, and a total of seven of his sixteen ATP titles. From now on, he only has a few tournaments left before putting an end to one of the most admired careers of his generation, with retirement scheduled at the ATP 500 Basel and one final wish to fulfill: playing once more at the US Open before bidding a definitive farewell.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Wawrinka se emociona en su adiós a la tierra batida: "Es la mejor despedida posible"