Stan Wawrinka bids farewell to Dubai after ‘last chance’ against Daniil Medvedev | ATP Tour
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Wawrinka bids farewell to Dubai after ‘last chance’ with Medvedev
Former world No. 3 wins ATP 500 title in 2016
February 25, 2026
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
Stan Wawrinka played his final match in Dubai on Wednesday.
Jerome Coombe
Stan Wawrinka was honored under the desert sun on Wednesday afternoon as he played his final match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The Swiss wildcard, who won the 2016 ATP 500 event but lost in straight sets to Daniil Medvedev, stayed on the court for an emotional farewell ceremony. In his final season on the ATP Tour in 2026, the 40-year-old basked in the applause of the crowd.
Tournament director Salah Tahlak and ATP CEO Eno Polo presented Wawrinka with a traditional dagger, a commemorative cake and a framed photo with memories of his appearance in Dubai in the middle of the court.
“I first came here over 15 years ago and I always felt so welcome,” said Wawrinka, who has a 6-4 record in Dubai, according to the Infosys ATP Win-Loss Index. “For me, it’s great to have one last chance to play here. I will always have great memories here.” [at] championship. “
Wawrinka made his debut in Dubai in 2006, when he lost to compatriot Roger Federer in only the second of 26 Lexus ATP meetings between the two players.
Outside of Dubai, Wawrinka has built a respectable career, during which he rose to a career-high No. 3 in the 2014 PIF ATP Rankings and won three Grand Slam titles. He has won 16 Tour-level trophies so far, and as he embarks on the final chapter of his career, he continues to embrace some of his most cherished moments: the cheers of crowds and the admiration of fans around the world.
“This is my last time here but I always have great support from you,” Wawrinka told the crowd. “It’s always special. The reason I’ve been able to play for so long is because of the emotions I feel on the court, but I think at 40, it’s time to play for one last year. I’m enjoying it and hopefully I can see some of you during the year.”
