Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka has confirmed that the upcoming 2026 season will mark his final tour, expressing enthusiasm for competing against some of the world’s best players. Wawrinka will represent Switzerland at the United Cup in Perth, where he aims to enhance his world ranking before concluding his illustrious career.
Arriving in Perth for the United Cup at RAC Arena, the three-time Grand Slam champion shared his excitement about finally visiting the city after two decades on tour. Wawrinka, who previously won the Australian Open in 2014, noted, “I have been many times to Australia over the past 20 years, but never to Perth, so it is great to be a part of the United Cup here.”
The Swiss player expressed a desire to finish his career on a high note, stating, “I am still playing some good tennis, and hopefully I can have some good results in 2026.” He acknowledged his decision to retire was well thought out, emphasizing his readiness to compete at a high level. “Over the last few months I have had time to decide whether it will be my last year or not. For me, it is quite clear. I am happy with the decision – I am feeling at peace with that.”
Wawrinka is hoping to break back into the top 100 rankings, stating, “One year is a long time, and there is still a lot of tennis to play.” Despite his lengthy career, he remains passionate about the sport and is looking forward to new challenges. “Starting here in Perth is special for me because it is not every week you get to play in a new tournament in a new city.”
The excitement surrounding the United Cup has been heightened by the participation of several prominent players. Stephen Farrow, tournament director, noted that the arrival of these stars has generated significant anticipation among fans. The United Cup kicks off on January 3, 2026, with Spain facing Argentina during the day session, followed by Greece competing against Japan in the evening. Australia will begin its tournament against Norway that night in Sydney.
As Wawrinka prepares for this significant chapter in his career, he remains focused on achieving strong performances and making the most of his final season on the professional circuit.
