Back in December 2025, Stan Wawrinka revealed that the 2026 season would be his final one on the ATP Tour.
The announcement was met with an emotional response from fans and fellow players, who praised the three-time Grand Slam champion for his incredible career.
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Since then, Wawrinka has seemed completely free of any pressure, and he’s been playing some of his best tennis in recent years.
He played a key role in Switzerland’s run to the United Cup final alongside Belinda Bencic and followed that up with a strong showing at the Australian Open, reaching the third round.
Wawrinka continued his good form by beating Hamad Medjedovic in Montpellier before falling to Felix Auger-Aliassime in the round of 16.
This impressive start to the season has led John Isner to wonder if Wawrinka might reconsider hanging up his racquet at the end of 2026.
John Isner casts doubt on Stan Wawrinka’s retirement plans for 2026
Photo by Paul Crock / AFP via Getty Images
John Isner, the former world number eight and Miami Open champion, has shared his thoughts on whether Stan Wawrinka might actually continue playing beyond 2026.
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Speaking on the Nothing Major Show, Isner said: “I have got a hot take on Stan. I think he reconsiders retirement. If he is playing a full schedule, it is likely that Basel would be his last tournament.
“If he is 60 to 70 in the race at that time, and he is clearly in the Australian Open on his own, at approaching 41. I think he reconsiders.”
Sam Querrey, another American and former world number nine, agreed: “I am with you. I don’t even think he reconsiders. I think he just plays 2027.”
If this turns out to be true it won’t surprise anyone given how well Wawrinka can still perform. Even at 40 years old, his shot-making ability and experience make him a tough match-up for anyone.
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Wawrinka remains competitive even when coming up short. This was clear in Montpellier where Felix Auger-Aliassime had to bring his best just to edge him out in straight sets.
Wawrinka’s first opponent at the Rotterdam Open
Stan Wawrinka will open his Rotterdam campaign against Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic, with their match scheduled for Wednesday.
The two have met once before, with Wawrinka coming out on top in a three-set battle at the 2023 Indian Wells Masters. The Swiss veteran won that contest 6-4, 1-6, 6-1.
If he gets past Vukic again, Wawrinka would face either Alex de Minaur or Arthur Fils in the next round.
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De Minaur has already played Wawrinka once before, winning their only previous meeting at the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters.
A potential third-round matchup could see him play Stefanos Tsitsipas, Arthur Rinderknech or Botic van de Zandschulp.
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