Stan Wawrinka will make one last trip to his Australian Open stomping grounds.
The 40-year-old was given the tournament’s final main-draw wild card on Thursday, coinciding with Nick Kyrgios’ announcement that he will focus on doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis rather than put his untested body through the rigors of a best-of-five singles situation.
Regardless of Kyrgios’ current state, perhaps no one — including players from the host nation — deserves a wild card more than Wawrinka. The Swiss, who is beginning his last season on the pro tour, is a former Aussie Open champion (defeated Rafael Nadal in the 2014 title match). Wawrinka reached two other semis Down Under (2015, 2017) in addition to two quarterfinal appearances (2011, 2020).
The current world No. 156 won only four ATP-level matches in 2025. He announced his upcoming retirement prior to the start of this season.
“One last push,” the three-time Grand Slam champion posted on social media. “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.
“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. I’m looking forward to seeing you one more time, all around the world.”
Now that final trip around the world is confirmed to have a stop in Melbourne.
great choice by the AO
Stan has a beautiful game to watch, shame his career was derailed by injuries, he was one of those games that troubled the very best, if not for injuries I’m sure he would’ve won a few more GS
wouldn’t say at all that his career was derailed by injuries. Delpo? Thiem? Yes. Stan, no way. Overachieved by winning 3 slams. He has been lower ranked in recent seasons due to old age, not injuries.
Well deserved!!!!
Didn’t say all Ricky, but your right, Thiem Delpo were also a factor
I see Muchova beat Ryba. So she is a contender if she can stay healthy.
Kostyuk beat both Anisimova and Andreeva.
Sorry! Wrong thread!
Stan did win a Masters on clay from what O remember but was essentially a five set specialist, a pretty unusual thing really. Nothing to do with injury .
Makes no difference, he can still play great tennis, and eek out some great results, the point is, he’s not the player he was, he’s coming to the end of his career, the younger ones are now taking over
What else is to be expected , he’s 40…
Well that’s exactly my point, no need to make an argument out of it then
Well it’s pretty obvious, and still playing at 40 is better than most players…
Yes I know
He’ll be remembered a lot more for his three Slams and wonderful backhand, one match that stands out(among many) was the Wimby one with Gasquet , a grass court feast of SHBH
3-1 in slam finals, with only loss coming to Nadal on clay
Im watching Stan right now… United Cup, team captain
And he loses in three to Bergs
another good effort
Lost to Nadal in 2017 RG final I think, but can’t remember who beat Nadal in 2015 , the year Stan won.
It was Djokovic
Big Al I was rooting for Stan that year at Wimbledon, I agree his backhand was beautiful to watch, he outplayed Djokovic at RG that year too, like he did in the 3 GS he won, if ever there was a player that troubled Djokovic it was definitely Stan at his best