Stan Wawrinka has impressed at the start of what is supposed to be the final season of his tennis career.
Wawrinka announced he would be retiring ahead of the 2026 season, which he began at the United Cup.
As both the main ATP singles player and captain of Switzerland, Wawrinka won his opening match of the 2026 season.
The three-time Grand Slam champion was unable to win his next match, but as Wawrinka waits to see if he will get an Australian Open wildcard he has responded when asked if he would reconsider his retirement decision.
Stan Wawrinka says what he thinks about his level at the moment
Although he was unable to win his second singles match of the year, Wawrinka pushed world number 22 Flavio Cobolli all the way to a deciding set tie-break.
With the 40-year-old still playing some impressive tennis, he was asked in his post-match press conference about whether he had fully thought through his decision and about his general level.
Wawrinka responded by explaining that he was happy with his level right now, and expressed the importance of spending as much time as possible on court.
“It’s my last year, so I need to spend the maximum of time on the court, so I make sure that happen in every match,” said Wawrinka.
“Yeah, was tough one. I think the level was great. I think Flavio was playing really good tennis. He did what he needed when he needed to win. He was putting a lot of pressure. It was not easy to find solution.
“In general I’m quite happy with my level. Of course, I would have loved to win it. But they finished the job. We are happy as a team. That is the most important.
“For me, I have two days in a row, two big match. I can see that physically I’m good. I’m feeling good at the beginning of the year. Tennis-wise also. I’m pretty sure I’m going to keep improving for the next one.”
Why do you think Stan Wawrinka was never considered to be on the same level as Andy Murray?
Stan Wawrinka suggests there is a misconception about his tennis this year
Although Wawrinka may be feeling physically strong and able to put his full effort in, he has suggested that there is a bit of a misconception about him.
Despite it being the final season of his career, Wawrinka explained that he struggles to play mentally free and claimed that he cares too much sometimes.
“I wish and I would love that (smiling),” said Wawrinka. “If you saw today, didn’t happen. In the tiebreak, I was a little bit hesitation. I got a little bit hesitation in my game. At the end of the day I’m a competitor. I always want to do my best. I always try to win.
“Tennis is physical, but it’s also mental. It’s not that simple to play freely. To just go for your shot, that mean you don’t really care so much. I care too much sometimes. I love what I’m doing. I always going to fight. Even with the loss, I still enjoyed the match today.”
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Wawrinka may not have won his second singles match, but victories for Belinda Bencic in both singles and mixed doubles alongside Jakub Paul enabled Switzerland to advance to the quarterfinals.
The Swiss team will remain in Perth and will play either Great Britain or Greece in their quarterfinal on January 7.
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