Stan Wawrinka's dramatic comeback victory at the United Cup kicks off his 2026 retirement tour
In his first singles match of a 2026 farewell tour on Saturday Stan Wawrinka's 40-year-old legs held up well for more than three hours
Wawrinka, the three-time Grand Slam singles champion defeated Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech who is ranked 29th 5-7, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5). It lasted three hours and sixteen minutes.
In December Wawrinka declared that this year will be his final ATP tour appearance.
Wawrinka remarked on Saturday "Today was a tough battle. It's amazing to come here for the first time, to have so much support." After 20 years on the road you essentially play in the same venues and competitions. Therefore I think it's fantastic to have the chance to perform in Perth this year.
Prior to his first match Wawrinka expressed his desire to raise his rating and return to the top 100 before he retires. When he won the Australian Open in 2014 he reached his highest ranking of No. 3.
Wawrinka declared I'm content with the decision (to retire) and feel at peace with that.
Ahead of the Australian Open which starts in Melbourne on January 18 other competitions including the United Cup will take place throughout Australia during the next two weeks.
His teammate Belinda Bencic gave the Swiss side a 2-0 lead in the opening set of the match on Saturday by defeating Leolia Jeanjean of France 6-2, 6-4.
