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Stan Wawrinka: Grand Slams, Retirement, and Net Worth

Stan Wawrinka is one of the most beloved figures in tennis for good reason. The Swiss player, known for his explosive one-handed backhand and three Grand Slam titles, has spent over two decades on tour, but as he prepares for his final season in 2026, the question isn’t just about his legacy—it’s about the man behind the racquet.

Age: 41 (born March 28, 1985) ·
Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) ·
Weight: 179 lbs (81 kg) ·
ATP Rank: No. 118 ·
Grand Slam Titles: 3 ·
Turned Pro: 2002

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Three Grand Slam titles (ATP Tour)
  • Announced 2026 as final season (BBC Sport)
  • Ranked outside top 150 in early 2026 (Reuters)
  • Won Olympic gold in doubles with Federer (2008) (The Guardian)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth figure
  • Specific retirement date within 2026
  • Current romantic relationship status
  • Full details of tension with Mirka Federer
  • Post-retirement business or endorsement plans
3Timeline signal
  • April 2026: Wawrinka confirms 2026 as final season (ATP Tour)
  • January 2026: Plays last Australian Open; ranked 156 (The Guardian)
  • December 2026: Farewell event “One Last Backhand” in Geneva (The Hindu)
  • Federer and Murray expected to attend (The Hindu)
4What’s next
  • Final tour events through 2026
  • Farewell exhibition in Geneva on Dec 19, 2026
  • Possible transition to coaching or commentary
  • Continued residence in Lausanne, Switzerland

Seven key facts, one pattern: Wawrinka’s career is defined by late bloom and sustained excellence against the strongest era in tennis history.

Here’s a quick overview of his official bio data:

Label Value
Full Name Stanislas Wawrinka
Date of Birth March 28, 1985
Birthplace Lausanne, Switzerland
Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight 179 lbs (81 kg)
Turned Pro 2002
Plays Right-handed (one-handed backhand)

Is Stan Wawrinka Going to Retire?

Yes, and he has been characteristically candid about it. In April 2026, Wawrinka confirmed that the season would be his last as a professional tennis player, calling it “one last push” in an interview with the ATP Tour (official tennis governing body). He described the tour as his “home” for 24 years.

What did Wawrinka say about his retirement plans?

  • He told BBC Sport that 2026 would be the “last chapter” of his career.
  • Reuters reported that he felt “at peace” with the decision after playing his final Australian Open in January 2026.
  • In a farewell interview with The Guardian, he said, “I really believe that I squeezed the lemon until the last drop.”

How did Wawrinka say goodbye to the French Open?

At Roland Garros in 2024, Wawrinka played his final match at the tournament he won in 2015. He called it “very emotional” and said he felt “so much love” from the Parisian crowd. BBC Sport noted that he received a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.

Bottom line: Wawrinka is retiring at 41 after a 24-year career. For fans, the final season offers a chance to watch him play live. For younger players like Ben Shelton, it marks the end of an era when a one-handed backhand could defeat the Big Four.

The implication: Wawrinka’s final season closes a chapter that began in the shadow of Federer and ends with his own distinct legacy.

The paradox

Wawrinka’s ranking fell to No. 156 by January 2026, yet he remains one of only three players to have beaten each member of the Big Four at Grand Slams. His decline is statistical, not symbolic.

Are Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka Friends?

The relationship between Switzerland’s two tennis greats is more complex than a simple yes or no. They won Olympic gold together in 2008, but a public incident in 2014 created lasting tension.

What happened between Wawrinka and Mirka Federer?

During the 2014 Davis Cup final, Mirka Federer was reportedly overheard calling Wawrinka a “cry baby” after he appeared to complain about Roger Federer’s behavior during a match. Wawrinka later confirmed the incident in interviews, telling tennisnet that it was “very tense” and that she had called him a “cry baby.”

Do Federer and Wawrinka get along now?

In a 2026 interview with Blick, Wawrinka said their relationship remains “very good,” but that they see each other far less often now because Federer has retired while Wawrinka is still on tour. They briefly crossed paths in Melbourne and Dubai in early 2026.

The implication: The friendship is real but not daily. They share a gold medal, a Davis Cup, and a country, but their lives have diverged.

Why this matters

For Swiss tennis fans, the Federer-Wawrinka dynamic mirrors the country’s dual identity: one world-famous icon, and one gritty battler who earned his place through sheer will. Wawrinka’s retirement will close that chapter permanently.

The pattern: Their relationship, like Wawrinka’s career, proves that even in the shadow of greatness, a distinct light can shine.

Why Is Stan Wawrinka So Popular?

He is the quintessential underdog. While Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray dominated the 2010s, Wawrinka crashed their party with three Grand Slam titles—each time beating one of the Big Four in the final.

What makes Stan Wawrinka a tennis superstar?

  • His one-handed backhand is widely considered the most powerful in tennis history.
  • He defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2015 French Open final, ending Djokovic’s Grand Slam streak.
  • He beat Rafael Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final—Nadal’s only loss in a major final to someone outside the Big Four.
  • According to ATP Tour, he has at least three Lexus ATP Head2Head wins against each member of the Big Three (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic).
  • He also defeated former world No. 1 Andy Murray 10 times.

Why is he called ‘Stan The Man’?

The nickname was coined by fans and media to reflect his ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments. Unlike players who dominate week after week, Wawrinka’s genius was reserved for the stages that mattered most: Grand Slam quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. Tennis365 quoted him as saying he owed Federer a lot, describing Federer as a “big brother.”

Bottom line: Wawrinka is popular because he proved that talent and timing can overcome even the most dominant era. For casual fans he is the ultimate spoiler; for purists he is a technical master of a dying art—the one-handed backhand.

The catch: Popularity born from disruption leaves a vacuum when the disruptor retires.

Has Stan Wawrinka Remarried?

As of mid-2026, Wawrinka has not remarried. He was married to Ilham Vuilloud (now Ilham Wawrinka) from 2009 until their divorce in 2019.

Who is Stan Wawrinka’s current partner?

Wawrinka has kept his personal life very private since the divorce. No public relationship has been confirmed, and he rarely discusses romantic partners in interviews. His current status is listed as single by most media outlets.

Does Stan Wawrinka have children?

Yes. He has one daughter, Alexia, born in 2010. She has been seen at some of his matches and lives with her mother in Switzerland.

The trade-off: Wawrinka’s desire for privacy means fans know little about his personal life, but it also means the focus remains on his tennis.

Where Does Stan Wawrinka Live Now?

Wawrinka still resides in Lausanne, Switzerland, the city where he was born. He trains at the Swiss National Tennis Center in Bienne and also uses the Monte Carlo Tennis Club during the clay season.

Is Stan Wawrinka still based in Switzerland?

Yes. Unlike many players who relocate to Monte Carlo for tax reasons, Wawrinka has maintained his base in Lausanne. Blick reported that he prefers the quiet life near Lake Geneva and enjoys being close to his daughter.

What is his training routine?

At 41, Wawrinka’s training has shifted to focus on recovery and injury prevention. He works with a physiotherapist daily and has reduced his tournament schedule to preserve his body for the final season.

The pattern: His longevity shows discipline, not just talent. While many players his age have retired, Wawrinka adjusted his lifestyle to extend his career.

How Many Grand Slams Has Stan Wawrinka Won?

Three. He is one of six active male players with at least three major titles.

Which Grand Slams did Wawrinka win?

  • 2014 Australian Open – beat Rafael Nadal in four sets.
  • 2015 French Open – beat Novak Djokovic in four sets.
  • 2016 US Open – beat Novak Djokovic in the final (Djokovic retired injured in the third set).

What is Stan Wawrinka’s career prize money?

According to ATP Tour, Wawrinka has earned more than $37 million in prize money alone. His net worth, including endorsements, is estimated at $20 million, though exact figures are not publicly verifiable. For context, Elena Rybakina also built a successful career from a similar underdog trajectory.

What to watch

Wawrinka’s farewell event—a fitting end for a player who always rose to big occasions—will gather Federer and Murray in Geneva on December 19, 2026.

The implication: For a player who spent his career in the shadow of giants, the final curtain call gathers them together.

Timeline of Stan Wawrinka’s Career

  • – Turns professional.
  • – Wins Olympic gold medal in doubles with Roger Federer.
  • – Wins first Grand Slam at the Australian Open.
  • – Wins French Open. Reaches world No. 3.
  • – Wins US Open. Marries Ilham Vuilloud.
  • – Divorces Ilham Wawrinka.
  • – Plays final French Open; announces intention to continue.
  • – Announces final season. Farewell event planned.

Confirmed Facts vs. What’s Unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Three Grand Slam titles (2014 AO, 2015 FO, 2016 USO) – ATP Tour
  • Age 41 (born 1985) – ATP Tour
  • Ranked No. 118 in April 2026 – BBC Sport
  • Born in Lausanne, Switzerland – Reuters
  • Divorced in 2019 from Ilham Wawrinka – The Guardian
  • Has one daughter, Alexia – Blick
  • Won Olympic gold with Federer (2008) – The Guardian
  • Defeated each Big Four member at Grand Slams – ATP Tour

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth (estimates vary)
  • Specific retirement date within 2026
  • Current romantic relationship status
  • Full details of the 2014 Mirka Federer incident
  • Whether he will stay in tennis after retirement
  • Post-retirement business or endorsement plans

Quotes from Stan Wawrinka and Roger Federer

“It was very emotional to play here one last time.”

— Stan Wawrinka, on his final French Open match (2024)

“It was very tense, she called me a cry baby.”

— Stan Wawrinka, on the 2014 Davis Cup incident with Mirka Federer

“Stan is one of the greatest players of our generation.”

— Roger Federer, on Wawrinka’s career

For Swiss tennis fans, the end of Wawrinka’s career means the last active link to the golden era of Swiss tennis will disappear. For the ATP Tour, his departure leaves a gap in the “warrior” archetype—the player who arrived late, swung hard, and never apologised. For Wawrinka himself, the choice is clear: enjoy one last season, then step into a new life, or remain in the tennis world as a coach or ambassador. Either way, his legacy is secure: he beat the best, on the biggest stages, with a backhand that will be talked about for decades.

For a detailed look at his journey, check out Stan Wawrinkas career and retirement plans.

Frequently asked questions

Is Stan Wawrinka still playing tennis?

Yes, he is playing his final season in 2026 and plans to retire at the end of the year.

What is Stan Wawrinka’s best Grand Slam performance?

He won three Grand Slams: 2014 Australian Open, 2015 French Open, and 2016 US Open. His highest ranking was world No. 3.

How much prize money has Stan Wawrinka earned?

Over $37 million in prize money, with an estimated net worth of $20 million.

Does Stan Wawrinka have a child?

Yes, he has a daughter named Alexia, born in 2010.

Who is Stan Wawrinka’s tennis coach?

He has worked with several coaches, including Magnus Norman (2013–2019) and currently works with a team led by his longtime physio.



James Mitchell
James MitchellStaff Writer

James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Insightly, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.