A three‑time Grand Slam champion in the most competitive era in modern tennis history, Stan Wawrinka has carved out a unique place among the great champions of his generation. Long overshadowed by his illustrious compatriot Roger Federer, the Swiss built his legacy patiently, through steady progression, exceptional mental strength and a game tailor‑made for the sport’s most demanding battles.

Born on 28 March 1985 in Lausanne, he took up tennis relatively late and was not immediately identified as a prodigy. A tireless worker, he nevertheless made his mark in the junior ranks by winning the Roland‑Garros boys’ title in 2003, before turning professional the following year. His early years on tour were solid rather than spectacular, and his rankings rise came gradually, far from the spotlight reserved for the “Maestro”, the absolute reference of Swiss tennis.

In 2008, before earning the nickname “Stan the Man”, Wawrinka captured Olympic gold in men’s doubles at the Beijing Games alongside Federer, the first major milestone in a career that would continue to flourish. It was, however, from 2014 onwards that the Vaud native truly stepped into a different dimension. Aged 28, he won the Australian Open by defeating Rafael Nadal in the final, before lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires at Roland‑Garros in 2015 against Novak Djokovic, then claiming the US Open in 2016, once again at the expense of the Serbian. Three Grand Slam titles won against world No.1 players, epitomising his rare ability to raise his level when the stakes were at their highest.

A cornerstone of the Swiss national team – winners of the Davis Cup in 2014 – Wawrinka climbed as high as world No.3 and established himself as the primary challenger to the Big Four. Effective on all surfaces, he forged a special bond with clay and particularly with the Parisian Grand Slam, where he also reached the final in 2017, falling only to the undisputed master of the event, before producing a memorable fourth‑round victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2019.

His trophy haul was later curtailed by several serious knee and foot injuries. Yet despite these setbacks, a ranking far removed from his peak or the passing of time, he refused to fade away, continuing to enjoy competition around the world with the same intensity, passion and determination. It was only in January 2026 that he announced he would play his final season, one in which he had no intention of merely making up the numbers, including at Roland‑Garros.

On court, Stan Wawrinka remains inseparable from his one‑handed backhand, widely regarded as one of the most powerful and spectacular shots in the history of the game. Capable of dictating play from the baseline, he relies on total commitment, heavy ball‑striking and formidable mental strength in crucial moments. A true big‑match player, he has embodied for more than fifteen years the rare example of a champion who reached greatness through his game, his courage and his resilience.