Stan Wawrinka will hope for an emotional farewell to the Australian Open in January when the popular former champion begins what he's announced will be his final year in tennis.
The 40-year-old Swiss star, who managed to win three grand slams including the 2014 Open at Melbourne Park amid an era dominated by the sport's 'big three', declared on Friday that he'll hang up his racquet at the end of 2026.
Now down at 157 in the world rankings, Wawrinka will need a wildcard to enter the Australian Open and will surely be granted one as he begins the last lap of a glittering 24-year professional career which featured him occasionally gatecrashing the era of Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Stanislas Wawrinka - who was always 'Stan the man' to his army of followers ever since turning pro in 2002 - has enjoyed an amazing journey, rising from a long-time underdog into a grand-stage giant-killer.
Almost unstoppable on his day, he caused a sensation at the Open when he outplayed an admittedly injury-afflicted Nadal 6‑3 6‑2 3‑6 6‑3 in the 2014 final.
While many wondered if he might turn out to be a one-Slam-wonder, the late bloomer went on to prove that was far from a fluke as he toppled the then world No.1 Djokovic twice on the biggest stages -- in the 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open finals.
"Every book needs an ending. It’s time to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player. 2026 will be my last year on tour," Wawrinka wrote on Instagram on Friday.
"I still want to push my limits and finish this journey on the best note possible. I still have dreams in this sport. I’ve enjoyed every part of what tennis has given me, especially the emotions I feel playing in front of you."
He's won 16 ATP titles and reached as high as No.3 in the world, while also striking Olympic doubles gold alongside Federer in 2008 and also delivering Switzerland's maiden Davis Cup title with his illustrious compatriot in 2014.
Injuries and knee surgeries have sent him falling down the rankings and he hasn't reached the last-eight in any grand slam since he got to the 2020 Australian Open quarters and lost to Alexander Zverev in four sets.
Wawrinka played his 19th Australian Open main draw earlier this year and was knocked out in the first round by Lorenzo Sonego, but in his heyday, made two semi-finals -- losing to Djokovic and Federer -- and two quarter-finals in Melbourne as well as his 2014 triumph.
"I’m looking forward to seeing you one more time, all around the world. One last push," concluded Wawrinka, who will surely get to Australian Open No.20 after already committing to play the Auckland Open in New Zealand to launch his final campaign.
