Wawrinka Kicks Off Farewell Tour with Victory at United Cup
PERTH, Australia – Swiss tennis player Stan Wawrinka, at 40 years old, showed that his veteran status still has much to offer the world of tennis. In his first singles match of the season, and in what will be his last year on the professional circuit, Wawrinka achieved an exciting victory. The three-time Grand Slam champion defeated Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, number 29 in the ATP ranking, in a match that lasted more than three hours. The final score was 5-7, 7-6 (5) and 7-6 (5), showing Wawrinka’s tenacity and competitive spirit. Wawrinka, who announced in December that 2026 would be his last year in professional tennis, expressed his desire to return to the top 100 before his retirement. His best ranking was number 3, achieved after winning the Australian Open in 2014.The United Cup is one of several tournaments being played in Australia over the next two weeks, before the Australian Open, which will begin in Melbourne on January 18. In the same event, Wawrinka’s teammate, Belinda Bencic, also secured a victory, defeating Leolia Jeanjean of France with a score of 6-2, 6-4, ensuring a 2-0 lead for the Swiss team.I am happy with the decision [to retire] and I feel at peace with that.
Stan Wawrinka
