Stan Wawrinka Embraces Final Chapter with Dubai Return
Stan Wawrinka, the Swiss tennis icon, has made a poignant return to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this week, revisiting the venue where he clinched the trophy in 2016. Now at the age of 40, Wawrinka is competing in what he has announced as the final season of a remarkable career that once saw him ascend to a career-high world No. 3 ranking. As he prepares for one last chapter on the ATP Tour, the three-time Grand Slam champion is reflecting on his journey, embracing the challenges and triumphs that have defined his legacy in the sport.
Mental Strength: The Overlooked Puzzle Piece
In a recent interview, Wawrinka addressed the perception of his game, often highlighted for its physical power symbolized by the nickname "Stanimal." He emphasized that the mental strength behind his success was a crucial, yet sometimes overlooked, component. "That's the beauty of tennis, it has many parts to it. It's a big puzzle," Wawrinka explained. "You need to put every piece of the puzzle in its place—fitness, tennis, mentally, and also you need to be in the right place. It took a lot of hard work, a lot of energy to push and find myself as a player."
He elaborated on the importance of mindset, stating, "It was important for me to work on myself, my mindset, and how I was going to go in with confidence, ready to beat the best players in the world. It took me years to achieve that. I'm really happy with what I've done." This introspection underscores the dedication required to compete at the highest level, beyond mere physical prowess.
Competing in Iconic Eras: From Big Four to New Duopoly
When asked about the difficulty of breaking through during the era dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, compared to today's landscape featuring Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Wawrinka offered a nuanced perspective. "Those five players you mentioned, and also Andy Murray are the best players we saw in the game," he said. "It has been amazing for me to face them, to be able to play against the Big Four for more than 15 years. It was a challenge. But first I'm a fan of tennis, I'm passionate about the game. I always enjoyed watching them, as a tennis fan and player. It was an opportunity for me to play the best players in the game."
He praised the current generation, noting, "Right now we are seeing that the level of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has been amazingly high. What they've been doing already for a few years, winning all the Grand Slams between them, is amazing to watch." This acknowledgment highlights the evolution of tennis and Wawrinka's appreciation for the sport's continuity.
Grand Slam Triumphs: A Special Nod to Roland Garros
Reflecting on his three Grand Slam titles—the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015, and the US Open in 2016—Wawrinka found it challenging to choose a favorite but singled out the French Open. "It’s tough to choose, but it's also my job to answer the question," he said with a laugh. "If I have to pick one title… they have all been really special, but one is the French Open (2015). I grew up playing on clay, I practised a lot in Spain, also coming from the French part of Switzerland, Roland Garros was the one that we watched the most as kids. That’s also the one I won as a junior (2003). To beat Novak in the final there was really special."
This victory over Novak Djokovic in the 2015 final remains a highlight, symbolizing his prowess on clay and his ability to triumph against the sport's elites.
Retirement Decision: A Journey to Peace
Wawrinka revealed that the decision to retire was not sudden but had been building over time. "The last few years, I've been asking myself when to stop but I never had an answer," he shared. "At the end of last year, I finally had the answer. I realised that I was most at peace to play for one more year, to push one last time. I'm still passionate about the game, I wish I could play forever, but nobody can play forever. I also wanted to finish my 20-plus year career on a good note. So I'm happy that my level is still there and physically I'm feeling good."
This thoughtful approach to retirement showcases his commitment to ending his career with dignity and satisfaction, acknowledging the physical and emotional demands of professional tennis.
Fitness and Fashion: Adapting Over the Years
Noting his leaner physique compared to his peak years, Wawrinka discussed the ongoing efforts to maintain fitness. "I always try to push myself to be the best player I can be. You have to do that to be able to stay in the game for 20 years," he said. "It was challenging, fitness wise, especially with the injuries. I have always been trying to optimise, to do what's best for me, what's best for my body so that I could push my own limits."
On a lighter note, he touched on his iconic fashion, from statement shorts to his current "40-Love" tee. "Last year I turned 40, so Yonex did this for me as a present. The ‘Love’ stands for my love of the game, my passion," he explained, symbolizing his enduring affection for tennis as he nears the end of his playing days.
As Stan Wawrinka competes in Dubai, fans and fellow players alike are celebrating his contributions to tennis. His reflections offer a glimpse into the mindset of a champion who has navigated the sport's toughest eras with resilience and grace, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
