Stan Wawrinka is hoping to have the farewell tour that Roger Federer never got to enjoy…
Injuries derailed Federer’s career, and his return was delayed several times.
Eventually, Federer gave up on returning to the ATP Tour, instead choosing to retire from tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup.
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Federer’s countryman, Wawrinka, announced his impending retirement recently and wants to play a full year on tour without injury.
During his pre-United Cup press conference, Wawrinka was asked about Federer’s injuries and whether he is worried he will suffer the same fate during his farewell tour.
Stan Wawrinka admits his risk of injury is getting ‘higher and higher’ with age
“Yeah, that’s the most challenging part when you get older in sport as an athlete,” he said.
“The risk of injury are always getting higher and higher, especially after 35 years old. I got enough injuries the last few years. I’m happy.
“I’m feeling good, and that’s also one of my goals is to be able to finish by playing tennis and not to have to finish after 20 years with an injury.
“That’s also one of the reasons why I came to the point that I wanted to be in my last year is to finish on a good note. Hopefully, it’s going to be like that.”
Entering his final year on tour at 40 years old, Wawrinka was asked for the secret to his longevity.
“There’s no trick in sport, unfortunately. If not, we would all have it,” he said.
“It’s many things together. The passion of the sport. I always tried to do the right thing since the beginning of my career. I always played the long game, always did some sacrifice some tournaments, not to overplay tournaments when I was younger. Always look for a long-term career.
“Yeah, I got some bad injuries, too. Especially after 35 years old, I got two, three years out in total.
“So it’s not always been easy, but you know, the sacrifice and the self-discipline are the most important when you want to play that long in the sport.”
Wawrinka has certainly enjoyed a successful, long career in tennis, but just how much has he achieved as a professional?
Stan Wawrinka’s career achievements
The Swiss star won three Grand Slam titles during his career: the 2014 Australian Open, 2015 French Open, and 2016 US Open.
In doing so, he tied Andy Murray’s Grand Slam count, as the pair won three majors each during the dominant ‘big three’ era.
Players with multiple Grand Slams during the ‘big three’ era
- Novak Djokovic – 24
- Rafael Nadal – 22
- Roger Federer – 20
- Andy Murray – 3
- Stan Wawrinka – 3
However, despite finishing level with Murray on three Grand Slams, Wawrinka isn’t given the same respect as the Brit.
Why do you think Stan Wawrinka was never considered to be on the same level as Andy Murray?
That is largely because of Murray’s success elsewhere on tour.
Murray outperforms Wawrinka in several metrics, including ATP titles won and career-high ranking.
Comparing Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka
| Andy Murray | Stan Wawrinka | |
| Grand Slam wins | 3 | 3 |
| ATP Titles | 46 | 16 |
| Masters 1000 Titles | 14 | 1 |
| Olympic Gold medals | 2 (Singles) | 1 (Doubles) |
| Career-high ranking | 1 (41 weeks) | 3 |
Looking at the numbers, it’s not hard to see why most fans rank Murray above Wawrinka.
He should still be respected, though, as winning multiple Grand Slams is a remarkable achievement, especially during Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic’s best years.
It’s highly unlikely that we will see Wawrinka add to his Grand Slam tally in 2026, but he’ll want to give a good account of himself on his final visits to the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
His last Grand Slam campaign will begin in Melbourne, but there’s work to be done before then, as Wawrinka leads Team Switzerland at the United Cup.
The 40-year-old is scheduled to take on Arthur Rinderknech (France) in his United Cup opener on Saturday, January 3.
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