A Career That Deserved More Spotlight
Stan Wawrinka has officially stepped away from professional tennis after more than two decades on tour, and the tributes are flowing. The 41-year-old made his emotional farewell at the Basel Open, capping a career in which he won 590 matches and claimed 16 titles. Yet for many observers, the Swiss star never quite received the recognition that three Grand Slam titles demand. That is a point eight-time major champion Jimmy Connors made forcefully on his podcast, Advantage Connors, stressing that fans and pundits alike have too easily overlooked what Wawrinka actually achieved.
Connors highlighted that Wawrinka did not simply collect his three majors against ordinary opposition. He beat Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic (on two occasions) to lift those trophies, conquering the very best players of his era when it mattered most. "We forget that he is a three-time Grand Slam champion and who he beat to win them," Connors noted, adding that he personally will miss watching Wawrinka compete. Much of Wawrinka's career was spent in the shadow of fellow Swiss great Roger Federer, yet he carved out a compelling identity of his own.
The Artistry of the One-Handed Backhand
One element Connors singled out for praise was Wawrinka's distinctive topspin one-handed backhand, a shot that felt increasingly rare as the two-handed version became the tour standard. The unpredictability Wawrinka brought, mixing power with creative shot-making, made him a fan favorite even during leaner years when he dropped into Challenger-level events.
Wawrinka will bow out completely at a December exhibition in Geneva alongside Federer, Gael Monfils, and Andy Murray, a fitting send-off for a player who gave so much to the sport. TennisDraw users considering legacy bracket scenarios have long ranked Wawrinka among the most dangerous outside threats in any major draw he entered.
