Stan Wawrinka saw Roger Federer as more than a rival; he was a great friend and an elder brother in tennis. Federer was a guiding light from the start of Wawrinka’s career, which began four years after Federer’s. They played 26 matches, with Federer winning 23, but Wawrinka deeply valued their bond. He said, “He is a very important part of my career. I’m thankful for that,” showing the respect he still holds for the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
Roger Federer’s legacy is unparalleled. From his pro debut in 1998 to his farewell in 2022, he made history. His breakthrough came at Wimbledon in 2003, where he won a record eight titles, part of his 20 Grand Slam trophies. Federer spent a record 237 consecutive weeks as world No. 1 and completed the Career Grand Slam in 2009. At 36, he became the oldest No. 1 player. His elegant game and sportsmanship made him an all-time great.
When asked if Federer’s legacy made competing difficult, Wawrinka was unfazed. He told Eurosport on April 26, “You can’t change situations, you can’t change what’s happening around you. I couldn’t change the fact that Roger was here, that he was the greatest player of all time. You can’t decide the results of other players, those of our generation.” Wise words, indeed.
Wawrinka wasn’t just competing with Federer. Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray also defined the era as the Big Four. They upheld tennis standards for over two decades. Wawrinka said, “All you can do is focus on your career.” That’s exactly what he did.
Starting his pro career in 2002, Wawrinka first reached the top 10 in May 2008. His breakthrough came with his first Grand Slam win at the 2014 Australian Open, boosting him to world No. 3. That year, he also won Monte-Carlo and helped Switzerland win the Davis Cup. He then won the French Open in 2015 and the US Open in 2016, famously beating the world No. 1 in each final. In 2008, he won Olympic doubles gold with Federer.
Wawrinka remains proud of those moments. “I’ve always wanted to be the best version of myself. I was lucky enough to share a lot with Roger, we were lucky enough to play in the Olympic Games, the Davis Cup…”
The 2014 Davis Cup was historic for Switzerland. Federer and Wawrinka led the team to their first title. Wawrinka won the opening singles against Tsonga. Federer lost his singles match but teamed with Wawrinka to win a crucial doubles match over Gasquet and Benneteau. Federer then clinched the championship by beating Gasquet. Their teamwork, built on their 2008 Olympic gold, secured a 3-1 victory over France on indoor clay in Lille.
In the end, Wawrinka is grateful to have shared the court with Federer in his prime. “I was lucky that he was already at the top of his game when I arrived on the tour, I trained a lot with him, I talked a lot with him about tennis and other things. I always tried to take the positives from the situation. So, I will always say that it was a huge opportunity.” Since Federer’s retirement in 2022, it’s been tougher for Wawrinka on tour. But he hasn’t lost touch with his “big brother.”
Stan opens up about the future of tennis
Since Roger Federer hung up his racket in 2022, a lot has shifted for him, but Stan Wawrinka is still out there on the court. After an early exit at the Rio Open in February 2024, Wawrinka was asked by Marca if he still keeps in touch with Federer. His reply was straightforward: “Yes, we talk sometimes, but not about tennis.” So, while they stay connected, their chats steer clear of the sport.
However, he’s still playing professionally and fully aware of the new wave on the tour. Two names that keep coming up are Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Wawrinka has praised these young stars for their incredible talent. He said, “The future of tennis will always be guaranteed because after one generation comes another. There will be young players who come along with something new and special to offer. Tennis is beyond any name. It’s incredible to see the way Alcaraz and Sinner play and behave; they are great champions despite their youth.”And it’s true-Jannik has already won three Grand Slams at just 23, while Carlos boasts four major titles at only 22!
But injuries took a toll on Wawrinka’s game, especially after two foot surgeries in 2021 kept him off the court for over a year. Now turning 40 in March 2025, the physical demands of tennis are tougher than ever. His ranking has slipped to No. 158, and he hasn’t won a title since 2017 in Geneva. Yet, he’s still competing, currently at the Challenger Aix-en-Provence, ready to face Ugo Blanchet in the first round.
Can Wawrinka climb back up the rankings? Time will tell. His friendship with Federer, their Olympic gold, and shared history fuel his journey. Tennis fans everywhere are watching and hoping to see the Swiss star rise again. What do you think? Will Stan make a comeback? Share your thoughts!
The post “Can’t Control the Results” – 3X Grand Slam Winner Opens Up on the Pressure of Living Up to Roger Federer’s Legacy appeared first on EssentiallySports.