Stan Wawrinka's final appearance at the Swiss Open Gstaad ended with a first-round defeat, but the Swiss legend received a farewell worthy of his remarkable career. On July 14, 2026, Wawrinka, 41, fell to Portugal's Jaime Faria 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-4, after two hours and 38 minutes of battle.
What happened?
The moment belonged to Wawrinka, as the home crowd at the Roy Emerson Arena gave the Swiss veteran a standing ovation as he said goodbye to a tournament that has played a special role throughout his career. Wawrinka first competed in Gstaad more than two decades ago, making his ATP Tour debut at the event in 2002. Since then, he has built a unique connection with the tournament, reaching the singles final in 2005 and winning the doubles title alongside Dominic Stricker in 2023.
Why it matters for Stan Wawrinka
The farewell gift was a nod to one of the most iconic moments of Wawrinka's career. During his 2015 Roland Garros title run, the Swiss delivered one of the greatest performances of his career, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final to lift his second Grand Slam trophy while wearing the now-famous outfit that became part of his image. The choice of skis also carried a special connection to Wawrinka's Swiss roots. By combining a symbol of Switzerland's winter culture with a reference to one of his greatest tennis achievements, Gstaad organizers created a farewell gift that celebrated both the champion and the country he represents.
What comes next?
Although his Gstaad campaign ended earlier than he hoped, Wawrinka's farewell tour is not over. The former world No. 3 continues to compete during his final season, with the possibility of one more Grand Slam appearance still on the table. His ranking currently leaves him outside the expected US Open main draw cutoff, meaning he may need a wild card or a run through qualifying to compete in New York. Regardless of what happens next, Gstaad provided a memorable goodbye. After more than 20 years of history between Wawrinka and the tournament, the Swiss champion left the court surrounded by appreciation from the fans who watched his career unfold.
Wawrinka's final match at the Swiss Open Gstaad marked the end of an era for the Swiss tennis legend. As he exits the tournament for the final time, fans and organizers alike will remember the unique farewell gift that celebrated his remarkable career and his connection to the Swiss clay-court event. The custom pair of skis featuring the same distinctive geometric design as the shorts he wore during his 2015 Roland Garros title run will serve as a lasting reminder of Wawrinka's legacy at the Swiss Open Gstaad.