Stan Wawrinka is kicking off a significant year on the ATP Tour. It’s his 25th season, and he’s already making waves. Instead of a farewell tour, he’s focused on winning matches and pushing his limits. Wawrinka is determined to make this year count, even at 40 years old.
His recent match at the United Cup in Perth shows his resilience. He battled through nearly three and a half hours in the heat to defeat Arthur Rinderknech, marking the 583rd win of his career. This performance speaks volumes about his competitive spirit.
Wawrinka shares, “I’m not just here to say goodbye. I still want to fight and win.” His dedication is evident as he hopes to climb back into the Top 100 rankings. His long-time coach, Magnus Norman, emphasizes Wawrinka’s love for the sport: “He thrives on hard work and the thrill of competition, whether it’s a major tournament or a smaller event.”
Despite being on Tour for over two decades, Wawrinka remains competitive. He played 29 matches on the ATP Challenger Tour last year, showing that he refuses to back down, even when the odds are against him. It’s clear he loves the game and the challenge it brings.
The emotional moments from his matches are unforgettable. Norman recalls the time Wawrinka faced Novak Djokovic in the 2016 US Open final. As they prepared, their shared emotions highlighted their bond: “We both were crying in the locker room, and it was a necessary release before the tension of the match.” Wawrinka’s victories over Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in Grand Slam finals illustrate his unique ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Wawrinka’s three Grand Slam titles—2014 Australian Open, 2015 Roland Garros, and 2016 US Open—were monumental achievements. Each victory holds special significance for him. He named his French Open win as his favorite, given his Swiss roots and childhood memories of watching the event. “It felt amazing to win at home,” he said, recalling his iconic around-the-net shot against Djokovic during the match.
Wawrinka has faced formidable opponents, often struggling against the “Big Three”—Djokovic, Nadal, and Roger Federer. This trio reshaped tennis with their dominance, and Wawrinka understands their impact. “All three were tough, especially Nadal on clay,” he noted. “He puts constant pressure with his powerful shots.”
Now, we may be entering a new era with young stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Wawrinka believes they’ll have a substantial presence in the sport in the coming years. However, he also thinks these new talents will face their own challenges as they seek to establish dominance.
Off the court, Wawrinka is known for his humility and respect for all. Norman praises him for sticking to his values. “He treats everyone with kindness, whether they’re a top player or someone behind the scenes,” he said. This character has been a crucial part of Wawrinka’s lasting impact in tennis.
As Wawrinka embarks on this final season, he embodies the heart of a fighter. His journey reminds us that it’s not just about the trophies, but also about the love for the game and the people you meet along the way.
