PERTH/WASHINGTON, December 29, 2025 (by Michael Dickens)
At age 40, Stan Wawrinka is at peace with himself and his place in the tennis world. The three-time major champion, who carried the Swiss flag during the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony, is winding down his proud career.
After spending more than 20 years on the ATP Tour, where he once was ranked as high as World No. 3, the current 157th-ranked native of Lausanne, Switzerland recently announced via social media that the upcoming 2026 season would be his last one.
“Every book needs an ending,” Wawrinka posted on social media earlier this month. “It’s time to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player. …
“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.”
Our 2015 champion, Stan Wawrinka, has announced 2026 will be his last year on tour. Enjoy your last dance Stan the Man pic.twitter.com/RkLAcl2iBI
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) December 19, 2025
One of Wawrinka’s dreams is to help Switzerland win another team trophy. After all, he combined with fellow Swiss great Roger Federer to win the men’s doubles gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Then, they combined to help Switzerland win its first Davis Cup title six years later.
Now, Wawrinka has arrived in Perth, where he will once again captain the Swiss United Cup team. At the inaugural edition of the mixed-team event in 2023, Wawrinka was both a player a team captain. He will serve in the dual role, again, and he will be joined by World No. 11 Belinda Bencic, the team’s highest-ranked singles player.
Bencic, 28, was recently recognized as the WTA Tour’s Comeback Player of the Year after starting the season ranked 487th, all the while traveling on tour as a new mother. It’s likely that Wawrinka and Bencic will play mixed doubles together.
On Monday, Wawrinka worked out with Team Switzerland at RAC Arena and spoke with reporters.
“This is my first time in Perth. I’ve been to Australia many times in the past 20 years but never in Perth,” he said. “It’s great to be a part of this great United Cup. I’m excited to be here [at the United Cup] one last time, I’m looking forward to the first match.”
Switzerland, which will compete in Group C against France and Italy, opens against Team France on January 3 during the day session at RAC Arena. The Swiss will play Team Italy the next day during the evening session.
Wawrinka’s opponents during group play will 29th-ranked Arthur Rinderknech of France and No. 22 Flavio Cobolli of Italy.
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“I’m happy to have one more full year to play,” Wawrinka said. “I’ve had a good off-season. I’m happy it’s the last one. Of course, it’s not always going to be easy this year. That’s for sure. I’m looking forward, I’m still playing some good tennis. Hopefully, I can play well in 2026 and finish on a good note.”
Among his goals for the upcoming season, Wawrinka hopes to break back into the ATP Top 100 and to play well in the majors before he hangs up his tennis racquet for good.
“I’m feeling happy with my decision. I’ve been on tour long enough,” Wawrinka admitted. “Of course, I’m still passionate about the game, about the sport. I love what I receive from it, the emotions of playing in different countries. Coming back here, there are a lot of fans, a lot of support. I’m going to miss that part, that’s for sure. I still hope I can have some good records. I want to finish my career on a good level.”
