Stan Wawrinka is still one of the sport’s most beloved figures, and his presence will be missed on the ATP Tour after he steps away at the end of 2026.
Since revealing that this would be his farewell season, the 41-year-old has continued to draw fans with flashes of the quality that defined his career.
The shot everyone comes to see is still Wawrinka’s signature one-handed backhand. It remains one of tennis’s most recognisable strokes, and fans are eager to catch another look before he calls time on his career.
And yet, despite how celebrated this patented backhand is, it’s undeniably a dying art form.
“I think it always comes down to style,” said Wawrinka.
“It depends what people like. Of course I am a big fan. But we can see why people go with two hands now because I believe it is easier.”
Stan Wawrinka speaks on the future of the one-handed backhand
When asked if he thinks the one-handed backhand could fade away as he steps away from the game, joining Roger Federer in retirement, Wawrinka didn’t hesitate in his response.
“There will always be one-handed backhands,” he began. “Always.”
The Swiss added: “Always a minority, that’s for sure, but if you look, you have Musetti, one of the best one-handed backhands in the world right now. I love to watch him play.
“Of course, the game is really physical now. Players play really hard from both sides now.
“So, of course, it’s easier to get the two-handed backhand. I think when you start, especially when you’re younger, but you will always see some one-handed backhand at the top of the game.”
Wawrinka was speaking after his last Monte Carlo Masters match earlier this week. Even after his loss though, it was good to see him still enjoying his time around Monaco a few days later.
Stan Wawrinka reveals plans for the rest of the clay-court season following Monte Carlo exit
Later in the same interview, Wawrinka was asked about his upcoming schedule.
He provided a detailed rundown of his plans for the rest of the clay-court swing.
He explained: “I’m going to Barcelona next week. Then hopefully Rome qualies, probably. Geneva, hopefully French [Open] we’ll see.
“But yeah, I’m trying to play the full year because as I say, it’s my last year, but I’m not playing just to say goodbye to tournaments. I’m a competitor.
“For me, it’s tough to lose a match and then get something on the court. That’s not the moment I want, but I enjoy it because the fans, they’re here, they’ve been amazing…
“…so I really enjoyed that part and probably like I said again, win a few matches this year, try to finish my career in the top 100 will be a dream.”
Read more: