Paris, 20 December (H.S.): Three-time Grand Slam singles champion Stan Wawrinka announced on Friday that the 2026 season will mark the conclusion of his illustrious professional tennis career. Sharing the news across his social media platforms, the Swiss star expressed a desire to bring the curtain down on his journey “in the best possible way.”

“Every book has an end. Now it’s time for me to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player. The 2026 season will be my last year on tour,” Wawrinka wrote in his heartfelt message.

The veteran player, who will turn 41 in March, carved a distinct legacy during the golden era of men’s tennis, dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Wawrinka captured three Grand Slam titles—the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016—cementing his status among the sport’s elite competitors.

Over the course of his career, Wawrinka has claimed 16 ATP titles, with his most recent triumph coming at Geneva in 2017. He achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 3 in 2014.

However, recurring injuries in recent years have affected his performance, pushing his current ranking down to 157.The Swiss player has recorded 582 tour-level victories, ranking fourth among active players, just behind Gaël Monfils, who himself has signaled plans to retire at the end of next year.

Apart from his singles success, Wawrinka has enjoyed remarkable achievements in team events. He partnered with Roger Federer to win the gold medal in men’s doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and later played a decisive role in leading Switzerland to its first-ever Davis Cup title in 2014.

Wawrinka is set to begin his farewell season at the United Cup in Perth, which will commence on January 2, 2026. Fans and fellow players from around the globe have already begun to express admiration and gratitude for his unwavering commitment, sportsmanship, and contributions to the sport.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar