Wawrinka Bows Out in Basel as Lehecka Ends a 24-Year Career

Stan Wawrinka's remarkable 24-year professional career came to an end on Tuesday night, as the three-time Grand Slam champion lost the final match of his career in front of his home fans at the Swiss Indoors in Basel. Eighth seed Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic won 7-5, 7-6(2) in the first round, bringing the curtain down on a career that took Wawrinka to world number three and to the very top of the sport.

Wawrinka, 41, had announced last December that 2026 would be his final season, and Basel — his home tournament — was the fitting stage for his farewell. Fans paid tribute to a player who defeated Rafael Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final for his first major, then beat Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2015 French Open and the 2016 US Open. He also won Olympic doubles gold alongside Roger Federer in 2008 and helped Switzerland to its first Davis Cup title in 2014.

Speaking afterwards, Wawrinka said all he had ever wanted was to give everything and leave with no regrets, out of respect for himself, his opponents, the tournaments and the fans. He won 16 ATP titles in all and reached a career-high ranking of number three in 2014. Lehecka advances in Basel, but the night belonged to the Swiss veteran, whose fighting spirit and one-handed backhand made him one of the most respected players of his generation.