Wawrinka Career: Final Match Ends in Basel
The three-time Grand Slam winner lost to Jiri Lehecka in the first round, concluding a 24-year professional tenure.
By Chloe Martin ·
Stan Wawrinka retired from professional tennis on Tuesday after losing a first-round match at the Basel Open. The 41-year-old Swiss player defeated by Czech opponent Jiri Lehecka with a score of 7-5, 7-6 (7/2). This result marked the end of a 24-year career during which he won three major titles.
Wawrinka had designated the ATP 500-level event in his home country as his final tournament earlier in the season. The match concluded his active status in the sport. Lehecka secured the victory after a tight contest that included a tie-break in the second set.
The Swiss veteran reached world number three during his career. He was one of only two players, alongside Andy Murray, to win multiple Grand Slams while Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic dominated the tour. Wawrinka defeated Nadal at the 2014 Australian Open to win his first major title. He subsequently defeated Djokovic in the 2015 French Open final and the 2016 US Open final.
Wawrinka also won the Davis Cup with Switzerland alongside Federer. The pair claimed gold in doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. During the final match in Basel, the home crowd cheered for every point Wawrinka won. Lehecka broke serve in the 11th game to take the first set and held that advantage to close the match.
Wawrinka walked around the court to acknowledge the audience before leaving the stadium. Lehecka described the moment as strange but pleasurable. He stated that he will never forget the match against the former world number three.
Fans can see Wawrinka again on December 19 in Geneva. He will participate in a farewell event titled One last backhand. Federer and Murray are also scheduled to appear at the gathering.
Rafael Jodar defeated Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets at the Basel Open. Ben Shelton advanced after a three-set win over Aleksandar Kovacevic. Arthur Fils beat Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to reach the round of 16. Novak Djokovic, who trained with Wawrinka before the tournament, plays Ugo Humbert on Wednesday.
Source: Al Jazeera
