In December 2025, Stan Wawrinka announced that the 2026 season would be his last year on the ATP Tour.
The announcement triggered an outpouring of emotion, with fans and peers alike paying tribute to the three-time Grand Slam champion.
It seems the announcement has removed all the pressure from Wawrinka’s shoulders, as he has gone on to produce some of his best tennis in recent years.
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After helping Switzerland to the United Cup final alongside Belinda Bencic, Wawrinka produced some vintage performances to reach the Australian Open third round.
Wawrinka then defeated Hamad Medjedovic in Montpellier, before losing to Felix Auger-Aliassime in the round of 16.
Wawrinka has certainly been in excellent form to start the season, and this has led John Isner to question whether the Swiss star will indeed retire from his playing career at the end of 2026.
John Isner questions whether Stan Wawrinka will retire in 2026
John Isner, the former world number eight and Miami Open champion, has discussed the possibility of Stan Wawrinka continuing his playing career past 2026.
On the Nothing Major Show, Isner said: “I have got a hot take on Stan. I think he reconsiders retirement. If he is playing a full schedule, it is likely that Basel would be his last tournament.
“If he is 60 to 70 in the race at that time, and he is clearly in the Australian Open on his own, at approaching 41. I think he reconsiders.
Sam Querrey, Isner’s compatriot and the former world number nine, added: “I am with you. I don’t even think he reconsiders. I think he just plays 2027.”
As demonstrated in Melbourne, Wawrinka is certainly capable of playing on the Tour in 2027. The 40-year-old’s shot-making ability and tennis IQ make him a threat against any player on the ATP Tour.
Wawrinka is always competitive, even in losing efforts. This was most evident when he faced Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Montpellier Open last week.
Auger-Aliassime, who is quite possibly the best indoor hard-court player on the ATP Tour aside from Jannik Sinner, had to play his absolute best to defeat Wawrinka 6-4, 7-6.
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Who is Wawrinka playing at the Rotterdam Open?
On Wednesday, Wawrinka is set to play Australian player Aleksandar Vukic in the Rotterdam Open first round.
Wawrinka won his only previous match against Vukic at the 2023 Indian Wells Masters. In the first round, Wawrinka defeated Vukic 6-4, 1-6, 6-1.
If Wawrinka defeats Vukic in Rotterdam, he will face Alex de Minaur or Arthur Fils in the second round.
De Minaur, who has a tough draw in the Dutch city despite being the number one seed, won his only contest against Wawrinka at the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters.
- Round One: Aleksandar Vukic
- Round Two: Alex de Minaur or Arthur Fils
- Quarter-finals: Stefanos Tsitsipas, Arthur Rinderknech or Botic van de Zandschulp
- Semi-finals: Ugo Humbert
- Final: Felix Auger-Aliassime
If Wawrinka causes a shock by defeating the Australian, he will face Stefanos Tsitsipas, Arthur Rinderknech or Botic van de Zandschulp in round three.
