Stan Wawrinka has played his last match at the Rotterdam Open after losing to Alex de Minaur on Thursday.
De Minaur, the top seed in Rotterdam, defeated Wawrinka 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the quarter-finals of the ATP 500 event.
Despite his best efforts, Wawrinka struggled to impose his will on the match, making just 46 per cent of his first serves and hitting four double faults.
However, the performance will matter little to Wawrinka after hearing the crowd in Rotterdam cheer for him as he stepped up to say goodbye one final time.
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As for Alex de Minaur, he paid tribute to Wawrinka, whom the Australian described as a ‘legend.’
Alex de Minaur says Stan Wawrinka is a ‘legend’ on and off the court
Ahead of de Minaur’s post match speech, a video was played in the stadium, showcasing a number of Wawrinka’s peers complimenting the Swiss legend on his career.
De Minaur also reflected on his time spent with Wawrinka on the Tour during his post-match interview, highlighting the training sessions he used to partake in with the Swiss legend.
“Stan as I said [in the video], is a legend of this sport,” said the Australian. “Not only for the incredible achievements he has achieved on the court, but also the person he is off the court.
I’ve shared many training sessions [with Wawrinka] when I was a lot younger, and he’s always been nothing but the best person out there. So I wish him all the best.
“He’s one of those people that not only he is a legend on the Tour, he is a legend off the court as well. Thank you Stan.”
De Minaur, who admitted his struggles in practice earlier this week, will play Botic van de Zandschulp on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.
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Stan Wawrinka reacts to his final match in Rotterdam
In his post-match speech, Wawrinka said: “The video was as long as the match, so congrats Alex for today, way too good for me. But thank you everybody for those 20 years and more on Tour.
“It was a pleasure to come so many times here in Rotterdam, to receive so much support from you guys.
“Would like to thank the tournament and all the people who are working behind the scenes for the players and for you guys to make the best tournament possible.
I had an amazing time, I won the title more than 10 years ago here. So to come back here one last time is amazing so I really appreciate it.
“I’m really grateful for the support you give me all those years. I’m going to miss you, for sure.”
Wawrinka won his sole title at the event in 2015, defeating Tomas Berdych in the final. Two years later, he reached the championship match once again but lost to Gael Monfils.
Wawrinka is expected to retire from his playing career at the end of this season. However, John Isner has suggested Wawrinka could make a different decision.
