Stan Wawrinka bids farewell to Monte-Carlo, reflects on ‘incredible’ Roger Federer clash | ATP Tour

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Wawrinka bids farewell to Monte-Carlo, displays on ‘unbelievable’ Federer conflict

Swiss star, who received the Monte-Carlo title in 2014, performs his closing match on Monday

April 06, 2026

Stan Wawrinka bade farewell to the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters crowd on Monday afternoon, when the 41-year-old wild card fell to Sebastian Baez in his closing match on the occasion.

Competing within the closing season of his ATP Tour profession, the Swiss legend is taking the chance to say goodbye to the tournaments which have formed his journey. Monte-Carlo represents a particular place for Wawrinka, who lifted his solely ATP Masters 1000 trophy right here in 2014 after defeating countryman Roger Federer within the closing.

“Unimaginable recollections, in fact,” Wawrinka responded when requested about his title run within the Principality. “It was my first and solely Masters 1000 Stan Wawrinka bids farewell to Monte-Carlo, displays on ‘unbelievable’ Roger Federer conflict | ATP Tour. Plus, right here in Monte-Carlo… I I grew up on clay. All my youth, I dreamt of those clay tournaments, with all these clay specialists. So Monaco was certainly one of my favorite tournaments to observe.

“I used to be lucky to have the ability to win it, to play towards Roger that 12 months. Furthermore, we had been enjoying within the Davis Cup, we had been actually shut, we spent numerous time collectively. We warmed up earlier than the ultimate. Matches towards Roger have at all times been extra difficult with our relationship. It’s true that managing to get past that and win the event was distinctive.”

That victory shaped only one a part of a profession that finally exceeded even Wawrinka’s personal expectations. Regardless of by no means setting out with the specific objective of reaching the very prime of the game, he climbed to a career-high No. 3 within the PIF ATP Rankings and captured three Grand Slam titles.

When requested how he displays on that journey and what legacy he hopes to depart, Wawrinka framed his success not when it comes to trophies, however when it comes to mindset and private development.

“I’m a toddler from a village, from a farm, who dreamed of being knowledgeable tennis participant, with one objective: to at all times give my greatest daily, to have the ability to progress, to continually push all my limits, with out ever placing up boundaries,” Wawrinka mentioned in French. “However by no means having the objective of profitable a Grand Slam or being No. 1 on this planet, simply making an attempt to constantly be higher, and that is what I’ve tried to do all through my profession.

“I managed at one level in my profession to actually attain the utmost I might by profitable for 4 years, profitable Grand Slams, profitable Masters 1000s, profitable different tournaments. However ultimately, for me, it’s the love of the sport and the fervour that allowed me to do this daily persistently and have a objective.”

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Fairly than treating his farewell tour as a ceremonial lap, Wawrinka stays fiercely aggressive. In January, he grew to become the oldest man since 1978 to succeed in the Australian Open third spherical.

“That is the athlete I’m: I am at all times going to come back on courtroom to attempt to win and I can’t simply arrive and take a look at simply to take pleasure in as a result of it is my final one,” Wawrinka mentioned. “Today it is by no means straightforward. We solely see what’s occurring on courtroom, like in the present day with a full crowd, however there’s numerous work behind. Particularly at 41, it requires numerous self-discipline, self self-discipline, sacrifice to attempt to keep match.

“In fact nowadays and weeks are actually, actually tough, however ultimately it is price it. I am passionate concerning the sport. I like what I do. I do know it is my final 12 months making an attempt to do one of the best I can. Hopefully I can win just a few matches this 12 months to take pleasure in that feeling of profitable.”