Three-time Grand Slam champion Stanislas Wawrinka has announced he will retire at the end of 2026, bringing to a close a remarkable 24-year professional career that saw him break into the sport’s elite during tennis’s golden era.

The Swiss star, who turned professional in 2002, will turn 41 in March, capping a journey that saw him evolve from underdog to one of the game’s most feared competitors. Known for his powerful game across all surfaces, Wawrinka’s career was defined by peak performances on the sport’s biggest stages, where he repeatedly toppled the world’s top players.

Nicknamed “Stanimal,” Wawrinka claimed his first Grand Slam by defeating Rafael Nadal at the 2014 Australian Open. He followed that with victories over Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open, cementing his reputation as a giant-killer.

“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 wrote on Instagram. “I still want to push my limits and finish this journey on the best note possible. I still have dreams in this sport. I’ve enjoyed every part of what tennis has given me, especially the emotions I feel playing in front of you.”

Over his career, Wawrinka won 16 ATP titles and reached a career-high world ranking of No. 3. He also claimed Olympic doubles gold alongside Roger Federer in 2008 and helped Switzerland secure its first Davis Cup title in 2014.

The announcement comes as Wawrinka is currently ranked 157th in the world, a drop largely due to injuries and knee surgeries. He has not reached a Grand Slam quarter-final since the 2020 Australian Open and will likely rely on wildcards to compete in majors during his farewell season.

Following a first-round exit at Roland Garros earlier this year, Wawrinka acknowledged that defeats were becoming harder to accept in the twilight of his career, yet his passion for the game remains undiminished.

“I’m looking forward to seeing you one more time, all around the world. One last push,” he concluded.