Stan Wawrinka retires as Basel farewell ends in 1st-round loss

Stan Wawrinka concluded his professional tennis career with a first-round defeat at the Swiss Indoors in Basel. The three-time Grand Slam champion lost to eighth-seeded Jiri Lehecka in straight sets, 7-5, 7-6 (2), marking the end of his farewell season. Wawrinka's final shot as a player was a backhand that missed the court, prompting disappointment from the local fans who had come to support him.

Wawrinka, who turned pro in 2002, had previously announced that he would retire in 2026. Throughout his farewell year, he received numerous tributes and warm sendoffs. He is celebrated for his significant achievements, including three Grand Slam titles, each won against a then-World No. 1 player, as well as 16 tour-level titles. He also contributed to Switzerland's tennis success, winning the doubles event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics alongside Roger Federer and helping the nation secure its first Davis Cup title in 2014.