Stan Wawrinka was beaten but not outclassed by world number 21 Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday, bringing the curtain down on his career in front of a passionate home crowd in Basel. The 41-year-old Swiss star lost 7-5 7-6 (7-2), and it was the final tour-level match of a glorious career.
Whether through technique or toil, Wawrinka has always been able to whip fans into a frenzy. That ability to stir a crowd never left him, even in his last match.
The former world number three did not wave farewell quietly. He showed the hallmarks of a career that exceeded expectations: the stylish one-handed backhand down the line, the finger pointing to the temple, and the demand for more noise from the stands. There was the roar of “Allez!” after winning a point he probably should not have won, and the temptation to snap his racquet over his knee after missing a shot he felt he should have made.
Once the reality of the defeat dawned, Wawrinka, his family and his team were dabbing their eyes. The result marked the end of a professional career spanning 23 years, 985 matches and three Grand Slam titles.
A career built on effort
“All I wanted in my career was to give everything, have no regrets, to always fight, to always give 100% in every match, out of respect for myself, the opponent, the tournament, the fans, for everybody,” Wawrinka told the ATP website.
“That was always the most important thing for more than 20 years, and the only way you can leave the sport without any regrets.”
In recent seasons, the world number 151 showed a willingness to drop down to the ATP Challenger Tour, demonstrating his enduring love for the game, which he knew owed him nothing. Wawrinka is loved by millions of fans because he is relatable, an everyman who reached the pinnacle of his sport by pushing himself to the limit.
Breaking through the Big Three
Many talented players of his generation lamented the presence of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, believing the “Big Three” to be a blockade preventing them from becoming Grand Slam champions. Wawrinka did not accept that. With explosive shot-making, relentless endurance and an indomitable spirit, he barrelled past the trio on his way to three major titles.
His career was ticking along steadily rather than spectacularly until he lifted one of the sport’s biggest prizes at the age of 28. Seeded eighth at the 2014 Australian Open, he beat Djokovic in the quarter-finals before completing an unforeseen triumph against top seed Nadal.
“I never expected to win a Grand Slam because, for me, I was not good enough to beat those guys,” Wawrinka admitted as he clutched the trophy in Melbourne. In fact, he was more than good enough, and he proved it again and again.
At the 2015 French Open, he brushed past compatriot Federer in the quarter-finals, then demolished Djokovic in the final with a display of unrelenting power, a performance that must be ranked among the greatest of his era. His last major title came at the 2016 US Open, where he escaped from match point down against Britain’s Dan Evans in the third round and went on to beat Djokovic for the title.
Wawrinka was the only man outside Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray to win multiple Grand Slam singles titles between 2006 and 2022. It is little wonder that the 24-time major champion Djokovic, considered by many the greatest player of all time, described him as a “legend”.
“Stan’s had an incredible career. The competitor he is on court, talent, strength, power, precision, he had it all,” said the 39-year-old Serb, who practised with Wawrinka in Basel.
Recognising the gap
Wawrinka was good enough to win majors, but he was not as consistently good as his illustrious rivals. The “Big Four” often includes Britain’s three-time major champion Murray, who soared to world number one, won two Olympic singles gold medals and lifted the ATP Finals trophy.
Wawrinka recognised he was “really far” from creating a “Big Five”, and the evidence bears that out. He spent 267 weeks in the top 10, won one Masters 1000 tournament and claimed 15 other tour-level titles. That is well below Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray, but it is more than most players can dream of achieving.
It is his Grand Slam triumphs that set him apart from most peers. Coupled with his commendable attitude, they explain why “Stan the Man” will be remembered as a great in his own right, emerging in a golden generation where others came up short.
After turning professional in 2002, Wawrinka won 590 tour-level matches and claimed 16 titles. On Monday night, he was honoured with a glitzy farewell ceremony in Basel, featuring speeches, music and entertainment.