Stanislas Wawrinka, who grew up idolizing Pete Sampras, received his first Grand Slam title from the former champion at the 2014 Australian Open. Wawrinka humorously responded to Sampras’s admiration for his backhand by stating, “Yeah, and I want his trophies.” Although he couldn’t match Sampras’s number of titles, Wawrinka earned public respect for his resilient spirit and his distinctive one-handed backhand.
After making his Grand Slam debut at Roland Garros twenty-one years ago, Wawrinka played his final match at a major tournament on Tuesday at the US Open, where he secured his last title in 2016.
Wawrinka’s farewell to the US Open was almost thwarted when he discovered that the final men’s singles wild card had been awarded to American player Patrick Kypson. After initially returning to Switzerland, Wawrinka was called back when Kypson withdrew due to injury, allowing him to participate in the tournament.
The crowd welcomed Wawrinka warmly as he took to the Grandstand court. In his match against Matteo Berrettini, Wawrinka lost with scores of 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-3), 6-0, but received an emotional send-off. “I’m very grateful for this wild card. It was very important for me to finish here, where I won a Grand Slam ten years ago. I want to thank you all for all these years,” he expressed during the post-match ceremony.
Since his debut in the US Open main draw in 2005, Wawrinka has developed a deep connection to New York. “I remember the first time I came here. It was impressive for me to feel the New York vibe and the energy of this tournament,” he recalled.
After his last match, Wawrinka conducted the crowd one final time, a moment captured in a poignant video shared on social media, highlighting the mutual appreciation between him and the fans.
Interestingly, like Sampras, Wawrinka did not start his career with a one-handed backhand. At the age of 11, he struggled with a two-handed backhand until his coach suggested making the switch. Wawrinka noted, “It’s not easy when you’re young to play with one hand because you don’t have the same power, but it looks more natural, so I was happy with the change.”
Over time, Wawrinka’s one-handed backhand became one of the most formidable shots on tour, allowing him to dominate opponents, including tennis legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal, during a remarkable period from 2014 to 2016 when he captured all three of his Grand Slam titles.
Today, the one-handed backhand is becoming increasingly rare, with only five players in the men’s top 100 employing the technique. If none of these players reach the semifinals at the US Open 2026, it would mark the first year without a one-handed backhand in the final four of a Grand Slam.
Despite the decline of this shot, Wawrinka remains optimistic, stating, “There will always be one-handed backhands.” He attributes the rarity to the sport’s physical demands, which favor the two-handed backhand. Nevertheless, he believes that some younger players will continue to excel with a one-handed backhand.
Just two days before Wawrinka’s final appearance, his compatriot Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Wawrinka described it as “really, really special” to witness his friend be celebrated. Gabriela Sabatini, known for her own elegant one-handed backhand, also attended the induction ceremony.
When asked about his own prospects for Hall of Fame induction, Wawrinka remained humble, stating, “I absolutely don’t decide for that. It’s my last year. I’m trying to finish in the best way possible.” This season, he has faced challenges, winning only 7 of 22 matches and failing to secure an ATP title in the past eight years. However, he emphasized that his legacy will be defined by his determination and spirit rather than the number of titles. “I want to be remembered for always trying to give, always trying to fight, always showing up,” he concluded, along with the unforgettable legacy of his backhand.
