Stan Wawrinka has brought his professional tennis career to a close following a defeat at the Basel Open. The three-time major champion received widespread praise from across the tennis world, including a reflective message from prominent coach Brad Gilbert.
Gilbert Recalls Career Regret
As reported by sports.yahoo.com, Jiri Lehecka defeated Wawrinka in the first round on Centre Court with a score of 7-5, 7-6. Following the match, the Czech player praised Wawrinka’s legacy and career accomplishments.
Fellow tennis legends also offered congratulations, prompting Brad Gilbert to share a video message on social media. Gilbert highlighted Wawrinka’s status as an exceptional ball striker with a remarkable backhand, noting that he turned his career around significantly around age 25 or 26.
Gilbert then disclosed a major missed opportunity from his own past in coaching. He shared that an agent inquired about working with Wawrinka shortly before Magnus Norman took over, but because he was already committed to Sam Querrey, he let the opportunity slip away.
“And probably one of my dummy moves ever – that year before Norman took over, the agent asked me about coaching him [Wawrinka], and I had started working with Sam Querrey and I was maybe going to see if I could do both of them, but definitely a misplay,” Gilbert stated in his video.
Gilbert praised Norman for an incredible job during his tenure with Wawrinka, adding that the Swiss star ultimately willed himself to become the champion he turned out to be.
Wawrinka Bids Farewell to Tennis
Speaking to reporters in Basel after his final match, Wawrinka reflected on reaching the end of his professional journey. He expressed satisfaction with being able to finish his career feeling competitive and playing well.
“This year has been amazing with a great amount of emotion, a lot of sadness at every tournament where you say goodbye,” Wawrinka explained. “For me, it’s an ideal ending.”
Wawrinka’s retirement places him alongside fellow tour veterans Gael Monfils and David Goffin, who also stepped away from the sport this year.
