Stan Wawrinka has officially concluded his storied 24-year professional tennis career, marking the end of an era with a first-round exit at the Basel Open on Tuesday. The 41-year-old Swiss icon, who previously signaled that this ATP 500-level tournament would be his final professional outing, fell to Czech competitor Jiri Lehecka in a 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) defeat. But Lehecka got his nose in front with a break of serve in the 11th game and sealed the opening set with an ace. But it was just a step too far for Wawrinka as his 21st-ranked opponent took firm control to seal the breaker and the match, a tight second set went to a tie-break.
Known as one of the few players capable of securing multiple Grand Slam titles during the dominant reign of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, Wawrinka reflected on his journey, stating in 2024 that he was fortunate to compete alongside and occasionally overcome such legends. “I was lucky enough to be able to play alongside them and sometimes beat them,” Wawrinka told the AFP news agency in 2024.
His resume includes a 2014 Australian Open victory against Nadal, followed by French Open and US Open titles in 2015 and 2016, respectively, both earned by defeating Djokovic.
The Lausanne native also achieved significant success in team and doubles play, winning the Davis Cup alongside Federer and securing a gold medal in the men’s doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. During his final appearance in Basel, the local crowd offered thunderous support, cheering every point and celebrating his signature one-handed backhand. On court in Basel, Wawrinka’s every point won, as well as several trademark booming one-handed backhands, was greeted by wild cheers from the partisan home crowd.
Lehecka, who faced the veteran in his final match, admitted the experience was surreal. Describing it as a pleasure to be part of such a significant moment, the 21st-ranked player acknowledged the difficulty of competing against a champion in his farewell match, noting that the encounter is one he will never forget. “He won the biggest tournaments, so for me to be here in his moment is a little bit weird,” Lehecka told Sky Sports.
Following a dedicated farewell ceremony on Monday, Wawrinka completed a final lap around the court to show his appreciation to the supporters before exiting the arena. Although his professional circuit career has closed, fans will have one more opportunity to see the star; he is set to host a special farewell event, titled “One last backhand,” in Geneva on December 19, which will feature appearances by Federer and Andy Murray.
In other Basel action, second seed Arthur Fils advanced to the round of 16 after defeating fellow Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (7/5), 7-5. Spanish third seed Rafael Jodar secured a straight-sets victory over Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, while top seed Ben Shelton outlasted American Aleksandar Kovacevic in a grueling three-set match that ended 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4).
The tournament continues on Wednesday, with Novak Djokovic scheduled to begin his campaign against France’s Ugo Humbert.
