Three-Time Grand Slam Winner Ends Tennis Career With 1st-Round Defeat In Basel

Last Updated:October 28, 2026, 12:55 IST

Stan Wawrinka ended his 24-year professional tennis career following a first-round defeat at the Basel Open.

Stan Wawrinka will be in action again, one last time in December. (AP Photo)

Stan Wawrinka’s illustrious 24-year professional career came to an end on Tuesday after the Swiss suffered a first-round defeat at the Basel Open, closing the chapter on a journey that brought him three Grand Slam titles.

The 41-year-old had announced earlier this season that the ATP 500 tournament in his homeland would be his final professional event. His farewell match ended in a 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) loss to Czech player Jiri Lehecka.

A former world number three, Wawrinkaalongside Andy Murray, was the only player to win multiple Grand Slam titles during an era dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Wawrinka captured his maiden major crown by defeating Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final. He followed that triumph by overcoming Djokovic in the French Open final in 2015 and the US Open final in 2016.

Representing Switzerland alongside compatriot Federer, he also won the Davis Cup and secured Olympic gold in doubles at the 2008 Beijing Games.

The Basel crowd gave Wawrinka a rousing reception throughout Tuesday’s match, celebrating every point he won and several trademark one-handed backhand winners. However, Lehecka broke serve in the 11th game to take control of the opening set before sealing it with an ace.

The second set remained closely contested, but the world number 21 dominated the tie-break to secure victory and end Wawrinka’s professional career.

Following a farewell ceremony on Monday, Wawrinka took one final lap of the court, thanking the home supporters before heading down the tunnel.

“It’s a pleasure and I will never forget this match,” Lehecka told Sky Sportsdescribing his presence at the farewell of a player who had won the sport’s biggest titles as a surreal experience.

Fans will have another opportunity to celebrate Wawrinka later this year. In June, he announced a farewell event titled “One last backhand”, scheduled for December 19 in Geneva, featuring Federer and Murray.

With AFP Inputs

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How did Stan Wawrinka’s professional tennis career end?

Stan Wawrinka’s 24-year professional career ended with a 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) first-round defeat against Czech player Jiri Lehecka at the Basel Open. The 41-year-old Swiss player had previously announced that this tournament in his homeland would be his final professional event.

What are Stan Wawrinka’s major Grand Slam tournament titles?

Stan Wawrinka captured three Grand Slam singles titles during his career. He won his maiden major crown at the 2014 Australian Open by defeating Rafael Nadal, followed by victories against Novak Djokovic in the 2015 French Open and the 2016 US Open finals.

What are the details of Stan Wawrinka’s upcoming farewell event?

Fans will have another opportunity to celebrate Stan Wawrinka at a farewell event titled “One last backhand”, scheduled for December 19 in Geneva. The event is set to feature tennis greats Roger Federer and Andy Murray.

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Feroz KhanPrincipal Correspondent

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More

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