Former Grand Slam winner Wawrinka ends tennis career
PARIS: Stan Wawrinka bid farewell to tennis as he brought the curtain down on a decorated 24-year career following a first-round exit at the Basel Open on Tuesday.
Stan Wawrinka, the three-time Grand Slam champion, has officially retired from professional tennis following a first-round loss at the Basel Open. The 41-year-old Swiss player announced earlier in the season that his final tournament as a pro would be the ATP 500-level event in his home country. In a heartbreaking end to his illustrious 24-year career, Wawrinka was defeated by Czech Jiri Lehecka with a score of 7-5, 7-6 (7/2).
A former world number three, Wawrinka was part of the winning trio alongside Andy Murray and Roger Federer during a period dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. The Lausanne native won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2014, followed by victories in the French Open and US Open titles the following year. Alongside Federer, Wawrinka also claimed the Davis Cup for Switzerland and secured gold in the doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
During his final match in Basel, Wawrinka's every point won was met with enthusiastic cheers from the home crowd. However, Lehecka managed to gain an advantage with a break of serve in the 11th game and sealed the opening set with an ace. Despite Wawrinka's best efforts, his 21st-ranked opponent ultimately triumphed, bringing an end to the celebrated player's career.
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