Stan the Man’ Says Goodbye: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Tennis World Pay Tribute to Wawrinka
The curtains began to close on a remarkable chapter at French Open as Stan Wawrinka made his final appearance at Roland-Garros after 21 unforgettable campaigns in Paris. Under the blazing Paris sun and in front of an emotional crowd on Court Simonne-Mathieu, the Swiss veteran fought with the same grit and passion that defined his career before falling in four hard-fought sets to Jesper de Jong.
Though defeat marked the end of his journey at the clay-court major he conquered in 2015, the evening quickly transformed into a celebration of a player who spent more than two decades earning the admiration of fans, rivals, and legends alike. As highlights of Wawrinka’s greatest Roland-Garros moments illuminated the big screen, tributes poured in from across generations of tennis greatness.
His longtime compatriot and friend Roger Federer reflected on memories they shared together, especially Wawrinka’s unforgettable triumph over Novak Djokovic in the 2015 French Open final. Federer described those moments as unforgettable and praised Wawrinka for an extraordinary career filled with resilience and passion.
Djokovic, one of Wawrinka’s fiercest rivals during tennis’ golden era, also honored the Swiss star, calling him an inspiration across generations. Their battles, particularly the finals at Roland-Garros in 2015 and the US Open, remain among the most memorable contests of modern tennis.
Rafael Nadal, another giant of the sport, paid tribute to a contemporary who rose alongside him and consistently challenged the dominance of the game’s biggest names. Wawrinka’s three Grand Slam titles between 2014 and 2016 proved he belonged among the elite, while his thunderous one-handed backhand became one of tennis’ most iconic shots.
The admiration extended beyond his own generation. Rising stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz thanked Wawrinka for inspiring younger players and for the example he set through dedication and professionalism.
For many fans, Wawrinka’s farewell is another emotional reminder that the golden generation of men’s tennis is slowly fading away. One supporter summed up the feeling perfectly, writing: “Another amazing player I’ve supported for so many years is retiring — only Djokovic is left. We’ve truly been lucky to witness this era.”
And as “Stan the Man” waved goodbye to Paris, tennis said farewell not just to a champion, but to a fighter, a gentleman, and a true legend of the game.
