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Wawrinka says goodbye to Dubai after ‘one last chance’ vs. Medvedev
Former world number 3 won the ATP 500 title in 2016
February 25, 2026
Stan Wawrinka played his last match in Dubai on Wednesday.
By Jerome Coombe
Stan Wawrinka was honored under the desert sun on Wednesday afternoon as he played his final match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The Swiss wildcard, who triumphed at the ATP 500 event in 2016, fell to Daniil Medvedev in straight sets before remaining on the court for a moving farewell ceremony. With 2026 marking his final season on the ATP Tour, the 40-year-old is enjoying the crowd’s applause.
Tournament director Salah Tahlak and ATP CEO Eno Polo were among those at center court to present Wawrinka with a traditional dagger, a commemorative cake and a framed photo with memories of his performances in Dubai.
“I first came here over 15 years ago and I always feel very welcome,” said Wawrinka, who has a 6-4 record in Dubai, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. “It was great for me to get one last chance, one last chance, to play here. I will always have great memories of this [at] the tournament.”
Wawrinka made his first appearance in Dubai in 2006, falling to compatriot Roger Federer, which was only the second of 26 Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings between the two players.
Outside Dubai, Wawrinka built a respected career, rising to No. 3 in the PIF ATP rankings in 2014 and winning three major titles. He has captured sixteen tour-level trophies to date and as he embarks on the final chapter of his professional journey, he continues to embrace some of his most cherished moments: the roar of the crowd and the appreciation of fans around the world.
“It’s the last time I’m here, but I’ve always had great support from you,” Wawrinka told the crowd. “It’s always special. The reason I’ve kept playing for so long is because of the emotions I get on the court, but I think at 40 it’s time to play one last year. I’m really enjoying it and hopefully I’ll see some of you throughout the year.”
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