Wawrinka plans to go out strong in farewell 2026 season

Stan Wawrinka is working to wind down his career in style, with the 40-year-old treble Grand Slam winner hoping to spark the Swiss team when United Cup group play begins on Friday in Perth.

The Western Australia outing will pave the way for Wawrinka to ease into the Australian Open – the event he won in 2014 – where he will be playing on a wild card due to a ranking which has sunk to 157.

The competitor who laboured during almost all of his career in the shadow of compatriot Roger Federer, is joined in Perth at the mixed team event by former Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, back to WTA No. 11 after giving birth in 2024.

Wawrinka. once ranked third in the world, will retire at the end of the 2026 campaign but wants to try and make an impression in the coming months.

“The last one (season) is not going to be easy this year, that’s for sure, but I’m looking forward.

“I’m still playing some good tennis, so hopefully I can have some good results in 2026 and finish on a good note.

“I want to finish my career on a good level and still be able to play those top guys and see where I am.”

Wawrinka made his ATP debut in July, 2003 at home on the alpine clay of Gstaad.

The week fell a day after Federer won his first Wimbledon title, with the national No. 1 being presented with a dairy cow from the farming village in the PR stunt for the ages.

Wawrinka is confident of his country’s chances to reach the semi-finals with Benic on board. “It’s a great opportunity for us and we have a good relationship.

“She’s been playing amazing tennis in the last year, so hopefully she can do that this week too.”

Wawrinka will serve as playing captain for the Swiss at the United event which also begins simultaneous play in Sydney on Saturday. 

Main photo:- Stan Wawrinka practicing at RAC Arena Perth – by TENNIS AUSTRALIA/ TREVOR COLLENS