Stan Wawrinka’s legendary tennis career will conclude at the end of 2026, the Swiss star announced, bringing an end to decades on the professional tour. However, the 2016 US Open champion will not get his desired farewell at Flushing Meadows after being denied a wildcard for the final Grand Slam of his playing days.
A Grand Slam Champion’s Goodbye
Wawrinka expressed deep gratitude for his relationship with the US Open and New York despite the disappointment of not receiving an invitation to compete one last time at the tournament where he claimed his greatest victory. “When I first arrived in New York from a small farming village in Switzerland, everything felt too big… Winning the US Open, in the city that never sleeps, will forever be one of the greatest moments of my life,” Wawrinka reflected on his career-defining triumph.
The End of an Era
The decision to retire at year’s end marks the final chapter for one of tennis’s most accomplished competitors. Wawrinka has been guided throughout his career by coach Magnus Norman, who has been instrumental in shaping his game and success on the sport’s biggest stages.
The Swiss veteran’s announcement comes as the tennis world prepares for the final stretch of the 2026 season. While Wawrinka will not have the opportunity to play a farewell match at the venue of his greatest triumph, his legacy as a three-time Grand Slam winner remains secure in the sport’s history.