The man affectionately dubbed “The Stanimal” will call it quits at the end of the 2026 season. Stan Wawrinka, three-time Grand Slam champion and disruptor or the ATP’s Big Three during his rambunctious prime, announced the news on social media on Friday.
“ONE LAST PUSH,” Wawrinka, 40, wrote. “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.”
The 16-time ATP titlist, currently ranked 157, owns 582 ATP wins. Wawrinka reached a career-high ranking of No.3 and achieved legendary status for his 3-0 record in major finals – a win over Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final, and wins over Novak Djokovic in the Roland-Garros final in 2015 and the US Open final of 2016.
He recorded 23 Top 5 wins, including four against Djokovic, three against Roger Federer and one against Nadal.
Wawrinka’s lethal one-handed backhand is considered to be one of the best backhands in ATP history.
Though he won 4 and lost 13 in 2025, Wawrinka’s late-career passion for the sport has been an inspiration to many.
Wawrinka is scheduled to open his season at United Cup in January.
