Stan Wawrinka’s journey at the Dubai Tennis Championships was brought to an end on Wednesday by Daniil Medvedev.
Medvedev, a former champion in Dubai, comfortably defeated Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3 to set up a quarter-final clash with Jenson Brooksby.
Wawrinka is expected to retire from his playing career at the end of this year, meaning he has played his final match in Dubai.
Stan Wawrinka or Andy Murray… who is the greater player? Let us know why below 👇
At 40 years old, Wawrinka still has an emotional connection with the sport of tennis, as demonstrated by his commitment to ATP Challenger Tour events last year.
Wawrinka’s love for the sport was evident during his final match in Dubai, in which he expressed an admiration for those who cheer him on.
Stan Wawrinka hasn’t retired yet because of the emotions he receives on court
Following the loss, Wawrinka offered his thoughts on the Dubai Tennis Championships and his experiences at the event.
Wawrinka won the Dubai event in 2016, defeating Marcos Baghdatis in the final.
“First of all I would like to thank the tournament… for all the years, all the people who are working for the tournament, for this amazing tournament,” said Wawrinka.
“I came more than 15 years ago for the first time here, always feel really welcome. It was amazing for me to have one last chance, one last opportunity to play here, this great tournament.
“So thank you for the tennis and thank you for us, it was amazing. I will always have amazing memories from here, from the tournament.
“Of course it’s my last year. I came many times here, and always had amazing support from you guys. It was always a pleasure, always special.”
Wawrinka, who is set to turn 41 before his retirement at the end of this year, then explained why he has played for so long on the ATP Tour.
Stan Wawrinka’s run to the 2016 Dubai Tennis Championships title
| Round | Opponent | Score |
| One | Sergiy Stakhovsky | 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 |
| Two | Franko Skugor | 7-5, 6-1 |
| Quarter-finals | Philipp Kohlschreiber | 7-5, 6-1 |
| Semi-final | Nick Kyrgios | 6-4, 3-0 [RETIRED] |
| Final | Marcos Baghdatis | 6-4, 7-6 |
Wawrinka turned professional in 2002 at the age of 17. Three years later, he made his debut in the main draw of a Grand Slam at the 2005 French Open.
“The reason why I kept playing for so long it was because of those emotions that I receive on court,” Wawrinka said.
And I think, at 41, it’s time to play for one last year. But I’m enjoying that a lot and hopefully I will see some of you during the year, so thank you very much for your support.”
Stan Wawrinka on the ‘special’ Dubai Tennis Championships
In his post-match press conference, Wawrinka continued to praise the Dubai event.
“Yeah, it’s always been special,” he said. “My first few years on tour I came here. When I arrive on tour, was always a tournament that you look for.
“So many great players, so many amazing champions play here. One of the biggest on the ATP Tour.
Who would win this legendary showdown?
“I had the opportunity to win it in ’16. Receive the opportunity with the wild card from the tournament to play. So for me, was amazing to have this chance to play here today.
“Was not the best finish, but Danny [Medvedev] is a tough and great player. He’s a great friend, too. Yeah, I tried today, but he was better than me.”
Wawrinka’s appearance at the 2026 Dubai event marked his first since 2017, when he lost his opening match to Damir Dzumhur.
