Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka opened what he has confirmed will be the final season of his career with a gritty victory over France’s Arthur Rinderknech at the United Cup on Saturday, insisting that age has done little to dull his competitive fire.

The Swiss veteran, who turned professional in 2002 and will celebrate his 41st birthday in March, announced last month that he intends to retire at the end of the season. On a warm day in Perth, Wawrinka drew on his trademark resilience to grind out a 5–7, 7–6(5), 7–6(5) win over world number 29 Rinderknech.

The three-hour contest offered an encouraging sign ahead of this month’s Australian Open, a tournament Wawrinka famously won in 2014 before going on to claim further Grand Slam titles at the French Open and US Open.

“I would have loved a quicker win, but this is why I keep playing,” Wawrinka said after giving Switzerland a 2–0 lead in the tie. “I’m passionate about the game and I’m always going to push my limits.

“I’ve worked really hard this off-season. Even if it’s my last year, I don’t want to play just to play — I want to compete and try to win.”

Reflecting on the match, Wawrinka praised his focus and composure during the key moments. “It was a tough fight, but I stayed positive and disciplined. I kept trying to find solutions, and when I had the chance to finish the match, I took it.”

Switzerland went on to complete a clean 3–0 victory in the mixed team competition, which features 18 nations.

Currently ranked 157 in the world following an injury-plagued period, Wawrinka has not reached a Grand Slam quarter-final since the 2020 Australian Open. He is expected to require a wildcard entry for this year’s tournament, which runs from January 18 to February 1.