Wawrinka Ends 24-Year Tennis Career

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka retired from professional tennis on Tuesday after losing 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) to Czech opponent Jiří Lehečka in the Basel Open first round.

The 41-year-old Swiss icon ended his 24-year career in front of a passionate home crowd, showcasing his trademark one-handed backhand throughout the tight encounter.

Reflecting on his career during the Big Three era, Wawrinka noted, “I was lucky enough to be able to play alongside them and sometimes beat them.”

Wawrinka built an extraordinary legacy by defeating Rafael Nadal to win the 2014 Australian Open before overcoming Novak Djokovic to claim both the 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open titles.

Beside Andy Murray, Wawrinka stood as the only player to win multiple majors during the dominant era of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.

He also won Olympic gold in doubles alongside Roger Federer in 2008 and led Switzerland to Davis Cup glory.

Honouring the moment, Lehecka stated, “He won the biggest tournaments, so for me to be here in his moment is a little bit weird. But at the same time, it’s a pleasure, and I will never forget this match.”

While Tuesday marked his final official ATP match, fans will see Wawrinka play once more at an exhibition farewell event in Geneva on December 19 alongside Federer and Murray.

Elsewhere in Basel tournament action, second seed Arthur Fils defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (7/5), 7-5, while top seed Ben Shelton outlasted Aleksandar Kovacevic in a three-tiebreak thriller.