Wawrinka ready for fitting finale

Stan The Man has officially arrived for his 21st and final Roland-Garros campaign.

It’s Stan Wawrinka’s last professional season, with the Swiss maestro hoping to sign off in style from a trophy-laden career.

The 2015 Roland-Garros champion has signed the new ‘Wall of Champions’ at Court Philippe-Chatrier, just a few steps away from the scene of one of his finest career fortnights.

➡️ Roland-Garros 2026 men's singles draw

“I feel good," he said. "I'm happy to have an opportunity to play one last time here. Of course, it's not going to be easy at the end, but so far I'm happy. Always special to be back here at Roland-Garros.”

“The main image I will remember will be going up the steps and getting onto the court in 2015," said the former world No.3, reflecting on his time in Paris. "It was probably the most important moment I lived in Roland-Garros.”

The tennis community has been celebrating the career of ‘Stanimal’ this season on his farewell tour, from Melbourne to Rome, with electric atmospheres and standing ovations.

➡️ Wawrinka: I grew up with Roland-Garros, it's part of me

There is sure to be excitement surrounding the blockbuster first-round clash between Wawrinka and French No.1 Arthur Fils on Monday.

"When I saw his name, of course it's a big match," Wawrinka said. "He's one of the most in-form players in the last few months, so it's going to be a very, very difficult challenge for me. I'm excited. Playing him here at Roland-Garros on the big court is going to be special.” The Swiss lost their only previous meeting at Marseille in 2023.

“He's a top player of the new generation, and he'll probably be an even greater player in the future, which is the reason why I'm still playing tennis," he added. "I still hope to play a good match.”

Reflecting on the end of his career, there are several things the world No.119 is going to miss about playing professional tennis.

“Probably the emotions you can feel when you're playing a match, especially in such a great tournament as Roland-Garros," he said. "When you have a lot of people, big public like here, it brings in a lot good stress, and also stress that is difficult to manage. I know these are emotions I won't find anywhere else.

“I'm very happy about what I did over this long tennis career, and I'm impatient to put my racquet down, as well, to be able to enjoy other things, but I still have a few months to play on the tour.”

The three-time major winner isn’t ready to say goodbye yet. He won a match on home clay in Geneva last week, prior to a narrow 7-6(1), 7-6(4) defeat by American youngster Alex Michelsen. Time for the trademark temple point, Wawrinka is locked in for battle.

“I'm someone who will fight till the end. I'm always someone who will try and find solutions, and I hope to play a big match as of the first round,” added Wawrinka.

“I'm playing well. I'm happy overall. The two last matches, especially in Geneva, did me well, but it's not going to be easy.”

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