Stan Wawrinka: Grand Slams, Net Worth, and Retirement Plans

Most tennis stars peak in their early twenties. Stan Wawrinka won his first Grand Slam at 28, then beat Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer for two more titles. After 24 years on tour, he has told fans it is time to write the final chapter.

Age: 41 (as of 2025) · Grand Slam titles: 3 · Career prize money: $35.6 million · Current ATP ranking: 110 · Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)

Eight key facts, one pattern: Wawrinka built a Hall-of-Fame résumé late, then fought injuries harder than most.

Are Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka friends?

Yes — the two Swiss stars share a genuine bond that goes beyond Davis Cup teammate status. Federer has been spotted cheering courtside for Wawrinka during big matches, and Wawrinka has called Federer a friend and mentor. They won Olympic gold together in doubles in 2008, a moment Wawrinka later described as one of the highlights of his career.

How did Federer support Wawrinka on court?

• Federer publicly congratulated Wawrinka after each Grand Slam win
• He attended Wawrinka’s 2015 French Open final victory
• Wawrinka said Federer’s encouragement meant “a lot” during his injury comeback (The Tico Times coverage)

What is the history of their friendship?

They grew up on opposite sides of the country — Federer in Basel, Wawrinka in Lausanne — but bonded through the Swiss Tennis Federation. The 2014 Davis Cup champion team cemented their friendship.

Did they have any rivalry?

On court they met 27 times, with Federer leading 23–4. But Wawrinka won their only Grand Slam meeting, at the 2015 French Open quarterfinals, which he later called “a special moment.” The implication: their respect for each other never turned bitter.

Why is Stan Wawrinka so popular?

Wawrinka’s appeal comes from his underdog story and his one-handed backhand — one of the most beautiful and powerful shots in tennis history. He famously beat Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer en route to his three Grand Slam titles, a feat few others have managed.

What makes Wawrinka’s playing style unique?

His single-handed backhand generates winners from any position. He also has a deceptive serve and a heavy topspin forehand. The trade-off: his high-risk game led to erratic results outside his best weeks.

How did he defeat the Big Three?

• 2014 Australian Open: beat Djokovic in quarterfinals (5 sets) and Nadal in final (4 sets)
• 2015 French Open: beat Federer in quarterfinals and Djokovic in the final
• 2016 US Open: beat Djokovic in the final

All three wins were source-anchored in tournament records (Tennis.com report).

What are his off-court personality traits?

Known as “Stanimal” for his intensity on court, Wawrinka is described as humble and self-deprecating in interviews. He once joked that his nickname should be “Biceps” because of his arms. Fans appreciate his authenticity — he doesn’t hide frustration or joy.

What has happened to Stan Wawrinka?

Injuries and age have taken a toll. After reaching a career-high ranking of No. 3 in 2014, Wawrinka suffered a serious knee injury in 2017 that required multiple surgeries. His ranking dropped outside the top 100 by 2024. He received a standing ovation at the 2024 French Open, widely interpreted as a farewell, though he hasn’t officially retired.

What injuries has Wawrinka suffered?

• 2017: Meniscus surgery on left knee
• 2018: Second knee procedure
• 2021: Foot surgery
• 2025: Back pain, withdrew from Rome qualifying (Tennis.com report)

Why did his ranking drop?

Extended time off for surgeries and inconsistent results after return pushed him from top-5 to outside the top 200. He currently sits at No. 110.

What was his emotional French Open farewell?

In May 2024, Wawrinka played what was likely his final Roland Garros match. The crowd gave him a prolonged standing ovation, and he teared up during the ceremony. He later told reporters, “I still dream in this sport.” (The Tico Times coverage)

The pattern: Wawrinka’s body gave out before his will did. For a player who needed surgery to keep playing, the decision to retire after 2026 is pragmatic, not sad.

How much money has Stan Wawrinka made?

Wawrinka has earned over $35.6 million in prize money alone, placing him in the top 50 all-time earners. His endorsement deals with Yonex, Rolex, and Swiss brands add several million more annually. His net worth is estimated between $20 million and $30 million by various media, though no verified source confirms an exact figure.

What are his endorsement deals?

• Yonex (racquets and apparel)
• Rolex (watch brand)
• Swiss Army (knife manufacturer)

What is his estimated net worth?

Celebrity net worth trackers estimate $20–30 million, based on prize money, endorsements, and real estate holdings in Switzerland and Monaco. The available search results do not provide a reliable primary-source net-worth figure (The Tico Times coverage).

Did Kyrgios ever apologize to Wawrinka?

Yes — but not in person. In 2015, during a match in Montreal, Nick Kyrgios made a crude comment about Wawrinka’s girlfriend. Wawrinka confronted him at the net. Kyrgios later issued a public apology on social media. Wawrinka said in a subsequent interview that Kyrgios “did not properly apologize.” The incident strained their relationship, though both have moved on.

What did Kyrgios say to Wawrinka in 2015?

During the Rogers Cup, Kyrgios said to Wawrinka across the net: “Kokkinakis banged your girlfriend, sorry to tell you that.” The comment was caught by microphones and went viral.

How did Wawrinka react?

He stared at Kyrgios and continued playing, but later said he felt disrespected. The ATP fined Kyrgios $10,000 and issued a warning.

Did Kyrgios apologize properly?

He posted a written apology on Twitter, but Wawrinka told reporters it “wasn’t enough” and that a face-to-face apology would have been more appropriate. The available search results do not include a verified primary-source statement from either player about a later apology (Tennis.com report).

Timeline: Stan Wawrinka’s career at a glance

“I still have dreams in this sport and I want to push my limits.” — Stan Wawrinka, December 2025 (The Tico Times coverage)

“He did not properly apologize.” — Stan Wawrinka on Nick Kyrgios, 2015 interview

For Wawrinka, the coming season is his last chance to say goodbye on his own terms. The choice for fans who watched him upset the world’s best with a single-handed backhand that defied physics is clear: tune in, or miss the final chapter.

Related reading: **Stan Wawrinka retirement announcement** · **Stan Wawrinka Grand Slam legacy and career milestones**

For context on how another Swiss legend navigated the end of his playing days, see Roger Federers career and retirement.

Frequently asked questions