Stan Wawrinka’s time at the Monte Carlo Masters has come to an end.
The Swiss maestro, who made his debut at the event in 2006, found himself in trouble against Sebastián Báez, trailing the Argentine 5-7, 1-5.
Wawrinka produced a stirring comeback, breaking Baez’s serve twice to level the contest at 5-5 in the second set.
Wawrinka’s efforts proved to be in vain, as he eventually lost the second set 5-7.
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Wawrinka has now played his final appearance in Monte Carlo ahead of his retirement at the end of this year.
After losing the match, Wawrinka reflected on his career while crediting tennis fans for their support throughout his journey on the ATP Tour.
Stan Wawrinka reacts to his final Monte Carlo Masters appearance
“I will remember that at 41 I was still playing on that court,” Wawrinka said after the match, as broadcast by Sky Sports. “But I really pushed myself. My dream was to be a professional tennis player.
“So to play in the main draw of those tournaments – I had the chance to win some. But my goal was always to push myself to the limit. That’s what I still try to do, still try to keep going.
“Passionate about the sport since day one, always been a dream to be a tennis player.
“I’ve been enjoying that role for more than 20 years and again, as I said before, one of the best emotion I have on the court is because of the support, because of everybody still pushing me when I’m 5-1 down and that’s really always been helping me, putting fire on myself to keep going.”
Wawrinka has now missed out on the opportunity to play Carlos Alcaraz, whom the Swiss legend had noted as an individual he wanted to play before his retirement.
Instead, it will be Baez who plays the seven-time Grand Slam champion in the Monte Carlo second round.
Alcaraz has won all three of his previous meetings against Baez, the last being at the 2025 Japan Open.
Stan Wawrinka’s run to the 2014 Monte Carlo Masters title
Wawrinka, seeded third at the 2014 Monte Carlo Masters, began the event by defeating Marin Cilic, receiving a walkover from Nicolas Almagro, and beating Milos Raonic.
Wawrinka defeated David Ferrer 6-1, 7-6 in the last four, setting up a clash with compatriot Roger Federer in the final.
After losing the opening set, Wawrinka roared back to claim a 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 victory over his great rival.
In his post-match speech, Wawrinka said: “It’s always special to play Roger. We know it’s always a strange match, especially being in the final here. He’s my best friend on the tour.
“We respect each other so much. I’m just trying on the court to win the match. Before and after, we are still very good friends.”
Federer said: “I think it’s one of the those finals that I could have won but Stan was tougher at the end. I think he deserved it just a little bit more.
“Of course, I’m very happy for Stan. It’s a huge win for him after winning his first Grand Slam this year, also to win his first Masters 1000.
“To take the opportunities when they’re there, that’s key in a tennis player’s career.”
After his 2014 heroics, Wawrinka failed to reach another final in Monte Carlo.
His best performance occurred in 2016, when he reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champion Rafael Nadal.
