Veteran Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka played his final match at Roland Garros on Monday, concluding a storied career at the French Open. The three-time Grand Slam champion lost to Jesper De Jong in a match that marked a poignant farewell to the Parisian clay, a surface that witnessed arguably the best performance of his life.
Wawrinka, who plans to officially retire in October at the Swiss Indoors tournament in Basel, has left an indelible mark on the sport. His 2015 French Open victory over world number one Novak Djokovic, in a brutal display of single-handed backhand power, is often cited as a career highlight and a match that prevented Djokovic from completing the career Grand Slam.
A Career Defined by Major Triumphs
The 41-year-old Swiss announced his impending retirement, acknowledging the physical challenges of maintaining a top level of play. His final appearance at Roland Garros, however, served as a moment to reflect on his remarkable achievements.
Wawrinka’s Grand Slam journey began at the 2014 Australian Open, where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals and a hindered Rafael Nadal in the final. This victory marked his first major title and signaled his arrival as a top contender.
His second Grand Slam came at Roland Garros in 2015, culminating in that unforgettable final against Djokovic. The match is remembered not only for Wawrinka’s ferocious play but also for his iconic plaid shorts, a symbol that has become legendary in tennis circles.
The trilogy of major wins was completed at the US Open in 2016, again defeating Djokovic in a hard-fought final. This victory cemented his status as one of the era’s elite players.
Iconic Moments and Personal Philosophy
The 2015 French Open final is etched in tennis history, with Wawrinka’s victory over Djokovic a testament to his mental fortitude and exceptional skill. The distinctive red, white, and grey plaid shorts worn during that tournament have achieved cult status, with surviving pairs now displayed in the Roland Garros museum or framed as mementos.
Wawrinka himself carried a piece of that history into his final French Open match, with a strip of the iconic shorts fabric sewn onto his shirt. This personal touch underscored the significance of the venue and the memories associated with it.
Reflecting on his career, Wawrinka often downplayed the idea of forming a ‘Big Five’ alongside the era’s dominant ‘Big Four’ of Djokovic, Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray. While he won fewer ATP Masters 1000 titles than his contemporaries, his three Grand Slam singles titles place him in a rare echelon of champions.
Wawrinka’s approach to his career also touched upon his personal philosophy regarding enjoyment and celebration. He acknowledged that while some athletes abstain from certain pleasures for the sake of their sport, he believed in celebrating significant achievements, stating, “If you don’t celebrate after winning a Slam then you will never celebrate, because tennis never stops.”
A Fond Farewell and Future Outlook
The tennis world has shown immense respect for Wawrinka’s contributions. Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic appeared in a video tribute following his final Roland Garros match, accompanied by widespread “Stan the Man” chants from the crowd.
Despite undergoing multiple knee and foot surgeries since his last title in Geneva in 2017, Wawrinka’s dedication to the sport remained unwavering. His decision to continue playing until October indicates a desire to finish his career on his own terms.
Looking ahead, Wawrinka anticipates a future with more adventurous pursuits, mentioning skydiving as a potential post-tennis activity. For now, his focus is on concluding his final season with strong performances, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining his level at his age.
His enduring message is one of commitment and giving his all to the sport, a sentiment that resonates with fans and fellow athletes alike. The legacy of “Stan the Man” is not just in his trophies, but in his resilience, his powerful game, and his unique approach to a demanding career.
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