Schoolboy memories

The picturesque setting is Aix-en-Provence in the south of France for an ATP Challenger. As ever, the stands are packed for 'Stanimal', he draws the 'oooooohs' and 'aaaahhs' from the crowd with yet another firecracker from his repertoire. The former world No.3 takes plenty of time with autographs and selfies, soaking in his final days as a professional.

Sat down with this modern-day great, his eyes glisten as soon as the topic of the Paris clay is raised.

"Roland-Garros for me goes all the way back to when I was younger," said the Lausanne native. "It's May-June and the beginning of holiday. So that was, for me, the best memories, you come back from school and you watch on TV every match, many times I sat all day long, I remember those days very well."

From watching in front of a screen, Wawrinka was soon sliding across the world-renowned terre battue at Porte d'Auteuil.

Djokovic and Murray were part of the Roland-Garros 2003 boys’ event, but Wawrinka took the top junior honours.

"It came as a surprise as it was the only Junior Grand Slam I played that year, I was playing more Satellites and Futures events for ATP ranking points," recalled the 16-time ATP titlist.

"My first real experience at a Grand Slam, it was amazing. It was a super tough draw, I knew I was playing well but was a surprise to win because I was comparing myself against the best of my age. I’ll never forget it."

Champion's humility

Two years later the Swiss was catapulted into the spotlight with a Grand Slam main draw debut, blazing past Nicolas Massu and then James Blake from two sets down. The early signs were promising.  

"Then 2005 was the real moment for me. My dream was to play at Roland-Garros in the main arenas and to be able to do that was super special.

"Winning two big matches turned my dream into a reality. It was an amazing achievement for me, those first steps."

Wawrinka has always insisted he doesn’t belong in the same conversation as the 'Big Four' – adding Murray to that group – a modest assessment from the Swiss.

This ultimate late bloomer has the inspirational forearm tattoo reading: "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." With that in mind it took Stan time to fulfil his true potential on the major stage.

But when it clicked, boy did it click.

Wawrinka stormed to Grand Slam glory with relentless, gunpower tennis at Australian Open 2014, Roland-Garros 2015 and US Open 2016. The resume also includes an Olympic doubles gold medal and Davis Cup glory.

2015 memories

Rewind to Roland-Garros 2015 and Wawrinka was at his devastating best – rattling past compatriot Federer, home charge Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and then world No.1 Novak Djokovic to hold the Coupe des Mousquetaires aloft (and yes, he has kept a pair of those iconic checked shorts).

"I never felt unstoppable. Unfortunately, I faced off with those amazing legends," stated a chuckling Stan, who dismissed Djokovic 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4 in a ferocious final.

"Of course, during the match I played my best tennis. Actually, I didn’t arrive that year confident, entering matches knowing I could win. On the court I just stayed in the moment and found my best tennis.

"I grew up on clay, grew up watching clay court specialists, I grew up watching Roland-Garros dreaming about maybe playing one day. It is part of me.

"It couldn’t have been more special, especially with that level of play against Novak."

Two elements stand out for Wawrinka from his 2015 triumph. First, his pre-match fears and second his post-title celebrations.

"I also watched every final before mine. So, I remember the stairs up to the [Court Philippe-Chatrier] entrance, I was really nervous before the final," admitted the 41-year-old. "I just told myself just think you are watching the TV and think of everything you saw so many times growing up and you'll enjoy that.

"I started to look at the crowd and I start to enjoy that and it was really special."

So many players regret not toasting major wins, but not Wawrinka.

"I did celebrate big. I believe that nothing beats winning a Slam, so you need to celebrate as if you win Slams at night too! Together we had a huge party at the hotel with friends, family,” added the three-time major winner.

"I don't think I slept before the press the next morning because we always do it early but I didn't care. It was deserved and it was worth it."

Last dance in Paris

Two years later the Swiss returned to the Roland-Garros final, succumbing to the 'King of Clay' Nadal. What else stands out for Stan in Paris?

"2019 was also a great tournament for me," he said, a quarter-finalist that particular campaign. "The atmosphere was extra special. When I have played there the support has been something else. I loved that year."

During his "one last push" in 2026, his closing professional season, there have been weekly standing ovations for a fan favourite. The third-round adventure at the Australian Open - capped off with an on-court beer! - was truly iconic as the tennis world continues to show its appreciation.

Here comes his 21st and final Roland-Garros.

"I know it will be special, with all the memories that I have in Paris," said the former world No.3.

"There are a few tournaments that stand out, are so special and Roland-Garros is definitely one of them.

"Hopefully I can win a few matches and cherish these courts and the crowds one last time."