Stan Wawrinka has just left a huge hole in the tennis world after retiring from the sport at the Swiss Indoors Basel.
Wawrinka entered his home tournament as a wildcard, but the veteran was unable to make it beyond Jiri Lehecka in his opening match. Lehecka overcame Wawrinka 7-5, 7-6(7-2) in what has turned out to be the final farewell in his sensational and lengthy career.
It is one that has involved huge success, including three Grand Slam titles and 16 ATP titles. But it’s clear that the Swiss icon has left a mark on his peers that goes way beyond silverware, as evidenced through the messages he has just received from Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic send messages to Stan Wawrinka as he retires
Several players, current and former, have reached out to Wawrinka since his retirement, and their messages have been documented by the ATP’s YouTube channel. His fellow Swiss legend Federer said: “Stan, I want to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible career.
“It’s amazing what you have achieved. It’s wonderful that we’ve been able to experience so much together. Whether it was the Davis Cup in Lille throughout the years, the Olympic Games in Beijing too. It’s incredible. Thank you so much. These are things I will never forget, and I hope you won’t either of course.”
Also issuing an emotional message, Djokovic commented: “Stan primarily is a great person. Someone I really, truly appreciate and respect. A great guy, always very friendly, very outgoing. He had it all. One of the best players we had in the last 20, 30 years of tennis. So he should be celebrated. He definitely deserves all of his flowers.”
Who will you miss the most of these retiring legends? 😢
Carlos Alcaraz and Andy Murray react to Stan Wawrinka retiring
Two-thirds of the Big Three have been joined by many others in sharing their thoughts on the outgoing Wawrinka, including current ATP superstar Carlos Alcaraz. He said: “I was super happy that I was able to watch him when I was growing up. Once I got to the tour, I was able to practise with him, to share the locker room. Stan is a great person, great player. I wish him all the best in the future. Thank you for the career and everything he’s done for tennis.”
Incoming world number one Alexander Zverev noted: “Stan has always been an unbelievable powerhouse. I feel like when he was at his best, even though we always talked about the Big Three, when they were walking on the court with him, they always were a bit scared. I think one of the most beautiful backhands in the world, but one of the most underrated forehands in the world. And his resume says it. He won three Grand Slams in probably the toughest era in tennis.”
And his former rival Andy Murray said: “I just wanted to send you a quick message to congratulate you on an incredible career. It’s amazing what you’ve gone on to achieve. Unfortunately, we all have to stop at some stage. Three Grand Slams. One of the best backhands of all time. And a good guy as well. All the best with whatever’s next. The sport will miss you.”
He will indeed be sorely missed by all in the tennis world, which he leaves with almost 600 wins during a career that started all the way back in 2002. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the 41-year-old, whether that be an attempt at coaching or broadcasting like countless of other retired players.
For now, however, he deserves to enjoy every moment of his retirement after giving so much to tennis for so long. And while he achieved countless fantastic feats, it is fair to say that his iconic one-handed backhand is a standout memory for many.
