Wawrinka Wins United Cup Return | Farewell Tour Begins

Stan Wawrinka, at 40 years old, demonstrated remarkable resilience in his first singles match of a planned 2026 farewell tour, proving age is just a number on the court.

PERTH, Australia – Stan wawrinka’s enduring athleticism was on full display Saturday as the three-time Grand Slam champion secured a hard-fought victory in his first singles match of a 2026 farewell tour. Wawrinka defeated Arthur Rinderknech of France, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) after a grueling 3 hours and 16 minutes.

A Fitting Start to a sentimental Season

the Swiss veteran signaled his intention to conclude his illustrious career at the end of 2026, but not before attempting to climb back into the top 100 of the ATP rankings.

• Stan Wawrinka launched his 2026 farewell tour with a victory over Arthur Rinderknech.
• The match lasted over three hours, showcasing Wawrinka’s stamina and determination.
• Wawrinka announced in December that 2026 will be his final year on the ATP tour.
• The Swiss star hopes to improve his ranking before retirement, aiming for a return to the top 100.

Wawrinka, currently ranked 157th, overcame his 29th-ranked opponent in a contest that tested his physical limits. The 40-year-old announced in December that this year would be his last on the ATP tour. “I’m happy with the decision [to retire] and feeling at peace with that,” Wawrinka said.

Did you know? – Stan Wawrinka has won three Grand Slam titles: the Australian Open (2014), the French Open (2015), and the US Open (2016). He is the onyl Swiss man to win a Grand Slam singles title.

What ranking did Stan Wawrinka achieve during his career? His highest ranking was No. 3, a feat he accomplished when he triumphed at the Australian Open in 2014.

The United Cup event,a mixed-gender team competition,is serving as a warm-up for the Australian Open,which begins in Melbourne on January 18.

Wawrinka’s teammate, Belinda Bencic, also contributed to a triumphant start for Switzerland on Saturday, defeating France’s Leolia Jeanjean 6-2, 6-4. Bencic’s win gave the Swiss team a 2-0 lead in the tie.

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Stan Wawrinka during a match in 2019.

Pro tip – Players often use warm-up tournaments like the United Cup to fine-tune their game and build match fitness before the rigors of a Grand Slam. This allows them to adjust to conditions and test strategies.

Switzerland ultimately defeated France 3-1 in their United Cup tie. Wawrinka and Bencic’s victories were crucial in securing the win, setting a positive tone for switzerland’s campaign.The team will continue competing in the tournament, aiming to advance to the knockout stages. The win for Switzerland was a strong start to what is expected to be an emotional final season for Wawrinka.

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* Why: Stan Wawrinka is playing a farewell tour before retiring at the end of 2026. He wants to end his career on a high note and attempt to climb