Stan Wawrinka has already achieved many great things during his swansong year on the ATP Tour.
The Swiss star has picked up victories against Arthur Rinderknech and Hamad Medjedovic and reached the third round of the Australian Open.
Wawrinka re-entered the ATP Tour top 100 again following his performances at the start of the year and he’s just received a wild card into the Monte Carlo Masters.
The three-time Grand Slam winner has his sights set on many goals in his final year, and he also wants to face two of the biggest stars in the sport before he hangs up his racket.
Stan Wawrinka names two ‘dream’ opponents for final year
Speaking to Spazio Tennis, Wawrinka outlined exactly what he wants to achieve in his final year as an active player.
He said: “I have always had the goal of remaining truly competitive in my final season as a professional tennis player.
“My aim is to finish the year among the top 100, which motivates me to keep working and excites me. I have always tried to offer the best version of myself and enjoy each tournament. I want this year to continue in the same way because it is something I am proud of.”
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As for ticking off players on his bucket list in 2026, Wawrinka has one major name at the very top of his list.
“I have played against Sinner several times, and truth be told, I would like to have a different experience,” he said, before turning his attention toward a certain Spanish world number one.
“I would love to face Carlos; it’s a dream for this season. It would be very exciting to have him on the other side of the net in a match.”
Wawrinka and Sinner have played six times on the ATP Tour, with the Swiss star tasting victory on two occasions.
Both of his wins came in 2019, in Antwerp and the US Open. Sinner has since won four matches in a row against Wawrinka.
Stan Wawrinka vs Carlos Alcaraz could happen very soon
While Wawrinka and Alcaraz have avoided each other in the past five years, they are both set to play an ATP 500 event in the coming weeks.
Alcaraz and Wawrinka are set to play the Barcelona Open, with the latter receiving a wild card to play the event one final time.
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The Spanish event only has a 32 player field, so the chances of the pair playing are considerably bigger than at larger events.
Alcaraz has won the event on two occasions in 2022 and 2023, while Wawrinka’s best effort was a semi-final appearance.
The Barcelona Open is set to take place between April 11th and April 19th.
