Djokovic says 'great champion' Wawrinka's legacy will live on
Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka hits a return to France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard during their men's singles match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on October 3, 2024. Stan Wawrinka says the 2026 season will be his last as the three-time Grand Slam singles champion aims to finish his career "on the best note possible". "Every book needs an ending. It's time to write the final chapter of my career as a professional tennis player. 2026 will be my last year on tour," Wawrinka posted on December 19, 2025, on social media.
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The 40-year-old Wawrinka bid a final farewell to the Australian Open on Saturday in a battling third-round loss to Taylor Fritz.
The current season is his last before the three-time Grand Slam winner hangs up his racquet.
"Proud to call him a friend and a rival and someone that definitely has inspired me," said 24-time major winner Djokovic, whose career has run parallel to Wawrinka's for nearly two decades.
"I mean, no doubt with his longevity, with commitment to the game. He's so passionate about it. His legacy will definitely stay and live with many different younger generations that look up to him.
"He's a great champion on and off the court," added the 38-year-old.
Wawrinka made his debut at Melbourne Park in 2006 and won the major in 2014.
He also won the French Open a year later and the US Open in 2016 at a time when Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal were dominating men's tennis.
"I think it's been a great farewell Australian Open for him with the crowd support and everything that has happened on the court," said Djokovic.
"When he's gone, tennis is going to lose a great player and a great person."
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