Stan Wawrinka announced on Friday that the 2026 season will be his last on the ATP Tour.
In a post on social media, Wawrinka stated: “Every book needs an ending. It’s time to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player.”
The Swiss star recorded an incredible career, having claimed 16 tour-level titles, including three Grand Slam crowns.
His achievements were managed in perhaps the most difficult era of all time, with the so-called ‘big four’ of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in his way at almost every tournament.
Many believed Wawrinka, with his resume, deserved to be in that group, making it a ‘big five’, but he himself disagreed.
Stan Wawrinka’s comments about being compared to the ‘big four’
After Wawrinka defeated Djokovic to win his second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 2015, he was asked if he felt he was on the same level as his four rivals.
As per the Guardian, the champion admitted: “I’m not as strong as the big four – they are winning everything.
Why do you think Stan Wawrinka was never considered to be on the same level as Andy Murray?
“But I’m strong enough to win some big titles. I haven’t found the way to play my best game every tournament, but I’m still OK and satisfied with my career so far.
“I’m not as good as they are, but I’m good enough to win two grand slam tournaments.
“I can beat them in major tournaments, in a semi-final, in a final, but the big four will always be the big four.
“I don’t want to be in comparison with them. I want to make progress and strides. I want to beat them.”
Stan Wawrinka’s career statistics compared to Andy Murray’s
While he was never on the same level as Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, Wawrinka’s career statistics are comparable to those of Murray.
Who is the greatest male tennis player of all time?
Indeed, the two have won exactly the same number of major titles, with both claiming three during their playing days.
Murray’s overall title tally of 46 is much greater, though, and he has won more big titles than Wawrinka.
| Big Title | Wawrinka | Murray |
| Grand Slams | 3 | 3 |
| Masters 1000 | 1 | 14 |
| ATP Finals | 0 | 1 |
| Olympic Gold Medal | 0 | 2 |
Additionally, Murray claimed world number one status during the peak of the ‘big four’ era, a feat Wawrinka never accomplished.
Wawrinka’s career-high ranking was world number three, which he achieved in January 2014.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
