Stan Wawrinka bids farewell to Monte-Carlo, reflects on ‘amazing’ Roger Federer | ATP Tour | Tennis

Match Reaction

Wawrinka bids farewell to Monte-Carlo, reflects on Federer’s stunning clash

The Swiss star, who won the Monte-Carlo title in 2014, plays his final match on Monday

April 06, 2026

Stan Wawrinka waved goodbye to the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters crowd on Monday afternoon, as the 41-year-old wild card fell to Sebastian Baez in his final match at the event.

Competing in the final season of his ATP Tour career, the Swiss legend is taking the opportunity to say goodbye to the tournaments that shaped his journey. Monte-Carlo represents a special place for Wawrinka, who lifted his only ATP Masters 1000 title here in 2014 after defeating countryman Roger Federer in the final.

“I have amazing memories,” Wawrinka said when asked about his “Principality” title. “It was my first and only Masters 1000 Stan Wawrinka bids farewell to Monte-Carlo, reflects on ‘incredible’ Roger Federer clash | ATP Tour | Tennis. Moreover, here in Monte-Carlo… II grew up in clay. All my youth, I dreamed of these clay competitions, and all these clay masters. So Monaco was one of my favorite tournaments to watch.

“I was lucky to win it, to play with Roger that year. Plus, we were playing Davis Cup, we were very close, we spent a lot of time together. We warmed up before the final. The matches against Roger have been more complicated in our relationship. Of course, to be able to go through there and win the tournament was something special.”

That win was just one part of a career that ultimately exceeded Wawrinka’s expectations. Despite not having a clear goal of reaching the top of the game, he rose to a career high of 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings and won three Grand Slam titles.

When asked how he reflects on the journey and what legacy he hopes to leave behind, Wawrinka based his success not on medals, but on attitude and personal growth.

“I am a child from the city, from the farm, who dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player, with one goal: to give my best every day, to be able to move forward, to always push all my limits, without setting barriers,” Wawrinka said in French. But not having the goal of winning a Grand Slam or being No. 1 in the world, I try to always be better, and that’s what I’ve tried to do all my life.

“I was able at one point in my career to reach the maximum that I can by winning for four years, winning Grand Slams, winning Masters 1000s, winning other tournaments. But in the end, for me, it’s the love of the game and the passion that allowed me to do that every day and have a goal.”

Watch Wawrinka’s Hot Shots of 2025:

Instead of taking his farewell tour as a celebration, Wawrinka is still a strong competitor. In January, he became the oldest man since 1978 to reach the third round of the Australian Open.

“That’s the athlete that I am: I’ll always come to the court to try to win, and I won’t just come and try to enjoy myself because it’s my last,” Wawrinka said. “These days it is never easy. We only see what happens in the courts, like today with a full crowd, but the work is very far behind. Especially when you are 41 years old, it takes a lot of self-discipline, self-control, dedication to try to stay in good shape.

“Of course these days and weeks are really hard, but in the end it’s important. I love this game. I love what I do. I know it’s my last year trying to do my best. I hope I can win a few games this year to enjoy that feeling of winning.”