Stan Wawrinka is making his final year on the ATP Tour one to remember.
Wawrinka announced his retirement prior to the start of his 2026 campaign, calling a halt to an incredible career in professional tennis.
The Swiss star, aged 40, booked his place in the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday after coming through a tough five-set bout with Frenchman Arthur Gea.
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He’ll face Taylor Fritz next, against whom he has a winning record of 2-1 at ATP Tour-level competitions.
Though Wawrinka‘s playing days are not over just yet, he has already started to think about life after tennis, and it appears as though he has ruled out coaching in the near future.
Stan Wawrinka speaks about potential to coach after retiring
In his post-match press conference after beating Gea, the three-time major champion was asked if he would like to coach one day.
Wawrinka responded: “That’s a good question that I don’t have the answer right now.
“For me, like if you ask me now, in the short-term I don’t want to coach. In [the] long term, we never know what’s going to happen.
“I’m happy with where I am right now. Happy to play this year, to try to finish as good as possible. Probably to take some time off after.”
Stan Wawrinka states where his second-round win ranks all time
Wawrinka received a wildcard to compete at this year’s Australian Open, and he is certainly making the most of it.
He came back from a set down in the first round to beat Laslo Djere, and emerged victorious against Gea in a four-hour and 33-minute marathon.
Discussing where the feat ranks among his other career achievements, Wawrinka said: “Again, for me, like compare time, never compare the past. That’s really never good idea to do it.
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“For me, I’m always trying to stay in the present, living with what’s happening in the present.
“Of course, after [a] tough year like last year, knowing that my last one here, my last Australian Open, my last year, it’s really special.
“The emotions are really completely different. It’s a feeling that’s tough to describe.
“But it’s the reason why at 40 I’m still pushing myself, pushing the limit, practicing hard the off-season, it’s to live those moments.”
Wawrinka is currently ranked 139th in the world, having been as high as the world number three.
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