Stan Wawrinka's Gstaad farewell: ceremony marks end of a 22-year journey
Synopsis
Stan Wawrinka's farewell tour came full circle in Gstaad — the very tournament where his ATP journey began in 2003. After losing to Jaime Faria in three sets, the three-time Grand Slam champion received skis engraved with 'The Man' and tributes from Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas. It was the kind of ending only tennis can write.
Key Takeaways
Stan Wawrinka played his final match at the Swiss Open in Gstaad on 15 July , losing to Jaime Faria 7-6(8), 6-4, 6-4.
Wawrinka made his ATP Tour debut in Gstaad in 2003 and reached his first tour final there in 2005 .
The tournament honoured him with a farewell ceremony, presenting him a pair of skis inscribed with 'The Man' .
Video tributes from Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud were screened at the Roy Emerson Arena .
Wawrinka retires with 16 ATP titles including 3 Grand Slams — second only to Roger Federer among Swiss men since 1990.
Stan Wawrinka, three-time Grand Slam champion, made his final appearance at the Swiss Open in Gstaad on Tuesday, 15 July, closing a chapter that began at the very same tournament more than two decades ago. The 41-year-old Swiss received an emotional send-off from the Gstaad crowd, marking one of the most poignant moments of his farewell season.
A Career That Began and Ended Here
Wawrinka made his ATP Tour debut in Gstaad in 2003, and by 2005 had already reached his first tour-level final at the same event. That early promise at the Roy Emerson Arena set the foundation for a career that would eventually see him rise to world No. 3 and claim 16 ATP titles, including three Grand Slam trophies. Few players can say their professional story began and ended on the same court.
How the Match Ended
Wawrinka's final Gstaad outing ended in defeat against Jaime Faria in a hard-fought three-setter lasting 2 hours and 37 minutes. Despite winning the opening set, Wawrinka was unable to hold on, eventually going down 7-6(8), 6-4, 6-4. The loss was secondary to what followed — a farewell ceremony that drew a heartfelt response from players, fans, and the tournament alike.
The Farewell Ceremony
Following the match, the Swiss Open paid tribute to Wawrinka with a ceremony on court. He was presented with a pair of skis bearing the words 'The Man' — a nod to his celebrated nickname, 'Stan the Man'. Wawrinka addressed the Gstaad crowd directly, thanking the tournament for its support across his entire career. A video tribute was screened inside the stadium, featuring messages from fellow ATP stars including Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud.
Casper Ruud said in his tribute: 'Hey Stan, just want to wish you many congratulations on what an amazing career you have had. My best memories on court are the three Grand Slam wins you had. All three were in great fashion, the way you did it. Thank you for being a big inspiration for me and many other players.'
Where Wawrinka Stands in Swiss Tennis History
Wawrinka's three Grand Slam titles — at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open — place him firmly among the greatest Swiss players of his generation. Among Swiss men since 1990, only Roger Federer, with 103 titles, has won more tour-level trophies. Wawrinka's 16 career titles and his remarkable ability to beat the best on the biggest stages — often as an underdog — earned him a reputation that extended well beyond his ranking.
What Comes Next
Wawrinka has confirmed he will retire at the end of the current season. With Gstaad now behind him, the Swiss veteran will continue his farewell tour at remaining events before drawing his distinguished career to a close. The tennis world will be watching as one of the sport's most beloved champions takes his final bows.
Point of View
Not consistency. Three Grand Slams won as an underdog against the greatest players of the era is a record that deserves more reverence than it typically gets. The symmetry of ending where he began — at a small Swiss clay-court event, not a major — says everything about the man. As the Federer era recedes into memory, Wawrinka's legacy deserves its own reckoning, separate from the shadow of his compatriot.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Stan Wawrinka play his final match at Gstaad?
Wawrinka played his final Gstaad match at the Roy Emerson Arena, losing to Jaime Faria 7-6(8), 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and 37 minutes on Tuesday, 15 July.
What did the Gstaad farewell ceremony involve?
The Swiss Open presented Wawrinka with a pair of skis inscribed with 'The Man', a tribute to his nickname 'Stan the Man'. A video tribute featuring messages from Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud was also screened, and Wawrinka addressed the crowd directly.
When did Stan Wawrinka first play at Gstaad?
Wawrinka made his ATP Tour debut at Gstaad in 2003. Two years later, in 2005, he reached his first ATP Tour final at the same tournament.
How many titles did Stan Wawrinka win in his career?
Wawrinka won 16 ATP Tour titles in total, including three Grand Slams — the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open. Among Swiss men since 1990, only Roger Federer has won more tour-level titles.
When will Stan Wawrinka officially retire?
Wawrinka has confirmed he will retire at the end of the current season. His appearance in Gstaad was part of a farewell tour that will conclude at remaining events before his official retirement.
