Stan Wawrinka, the 40‑year‑old Swiss champion, declares his 2015 French Open victory as his most cherished Grand Slam. He reflects on the dominance of the Big Four, the emerging threat of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, his nostalgic Dubai return, and his impending farewell at the 2026 Gstaad Open, underscoring a legacy of resilience and evolution.
Why the 2015 French Open Means the Most
When asked to pick a single Grand Slam title, Wawrinka did not hesitate. “The 2015 French Open still gives me goose‑bumps,” he said, recalling his four‑set demolition of Novak Djokovic in the final. He emphasized that the win proved a left‑handed one‑handed backhand could still rewrite the script on clay against the modern power game.
His French Open triumph arrived a year after his 2014 Australian Open breakthrough. While the Australian Open was a hard‑court sprint, the French Open demanded a week of relentless grinding, a tactical chess match against Djokovic, and a victory that cemented his place among the sport’s elite.
Big Four vs. the Rising Generation
Wawrinka argues that the “Big Four” set a benchmark of consistency and mental steel that defined an era, yet the new wave—led by Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz (23) and Italy’s Jannik Sinner (24)—is already redefining the baseline of athleticism and tactical flexibility.
“The Big Four built a castle of dominance, but Alcaraz and Sinner are the architects of a new skyline,” he explained. “They bring raw power, relentless fitness, and a fearless willingness to play the long ball. It’s a different kind of challenge, but the standard they set remains the yardstick for any aspiring champion.”
A Nostalgic Dubai Homecoming
Earlier this week, Wawrinka returned to Dubai, the venue where he first lifted a crown in 2016. Walking onto the hard courts of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Centre, he reminded fans of his 22‑match winning streak over Rafael Nadal—a feat that underscores his ability to thrive against the sport’s most relentless competitor.
His presence in Dubai was more than sentimental. Ahead of his match against rising talent Benjamin Hassan, bookmakers listed him as a slight underdog, yet his experience and tactical acumen keep him a perpetual threat. “I’m here to enjoy the moment, but I also want to remind everyone that a Grand Slam champion never truly hangs up the racket,” Wawrinka said.
The Final Curtain Call in Gstaad
Wawrinka is set to close his professional chapter at the EFG Swiss Open Gstaad on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. The Alpine town will host his last singles appearance in the Roy Emerson Arena, marking his 14th participation at the event.
The Gstaad farewell is billed as “one last dance,” promising an emotional send‑off for a player who has become a national icon. Organisers have promised a moving tribute that will celebrate his contributions to Swiss tennis, from his early junior days to his role as a Grand Slam champion who inspired a generation of left‑handed players.
Although Wawrinka announced his retirement will take effect at the close of the 2026 season, speculation remains that he might extend his career into 2027, hinting that his love for competition could keep him on tour a little longer.
Legacy, Net Worth, and Business Impact
Wawrinka’s career earnings exceed $30 million, supplemented by endorsement deals with brands such as Yonex, Rolex, and Swiss luxury watchmakers. He also holds a stake in a boutique tennis academy in Zurich that aims to nurture future Swiss talent.
His financial footprint mirrors his on‑court impact: a player who, despite a relatively modest Grand Slam tally compared with the Big Four, has built a lasting brand based on resilience, a fierce one‑handed backhand, and a reputation for big‑match performances.
Physiotherapy Perspective
Sports physiotherapist Dr. Lena Keller, who has worked with Wawrinka since his 2015 French Open campaign, offers a professional viewpoint on his longevity. “Stan’s body management is a masterclass in periodisation,” Keller explained. “He has consistently balanced high‑intensity training with recovery, a discipline that allowed him to amass 22 wins over Nadal—a player known for his physical endurance.”
Keller added that Wawrinka’s adaptation to the evolving game—especially his willingness to incorporate more aggressive baseline play to match the power of Alcaraz and Sinner—demonstrates a rare capacity for tactical evolution, a trait that will keep him competitive even as his physical prime wanes.
What the Future Holds
Wawrinka’s reflections on his favourite Grand Slam, his appraisal of the new generation, and his imminent farewell in Gstaad paint a portrait of a champion who is both looking back with pride and forward with curiosity. Whether he decides to extend his playing days into 2027 or steps away to focus on coaching and his academy, his legacy is already cemented: a three‑time Grand Slam champion, a relentless competitor against the sport’s greatest, and a bridge between the era of the Big Four and the rising tide of Alcaraz and Sinner.
