Stanislas Wawrinka’s Career in Numbers: A Look at the Swiss Star’s Legacy

Swiss tennis veteran Stanislas Wawrinka turned 40 on March 28, 2025, celebrating a career that saw him rise from a talented prospect to a three-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most respected players of his generation. Known for his mental toughness, powerful baseline game, and one of the most elegant one-handed backhands in history, Wawrinka’s career is filled with remarkable achievements and unforgettable moments.

Grand Slam Glory: Three-Time Major Champion

Unlike the "Big Three" of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, Wawrinka took a different path to success. He wasn’t a prodigy who dominated from an early age. Instead, he peaked in his late 20s and early 30s, proving that perseverance and hard work can lead to greatness.

His three Grand Slam titles came in a golden era of tennis, where he had to overcome some of the sport’s greatest players to claim victory:

• 2014 Australian Open – Defeated Rafael Nadal (6–3, 6–2, 3–6, 6–3).
  This was his breakthrough moment, as he ended Novak Djokovic’s 25-match winning streak in Melbourne before stunning Nadal in the final.
• 2015 French Open – Beat Novak Djokovic (4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4).
  His fearless shot-making against Djokovic at Roland Garros remains one of the most impressive performances in a major final.
• 2016 US Open – Overcame Novak Djokovic again (6–7(1–7), 6–4, 7–5, 6–3).
  This win confirmed Wawrinka’s status as a big-match player, taking down the world No. 1 in yet another major final.

He also reached the 2017 French Open final, where he lost to Rafael Nadal, but his incredible run at Roland Garros that year, including a marathon five-set win over Andy Murray in the semifinals, further cemented his reputation as a fighter.

Masters 1000 and Team Success

Although Wawrinka’s dominance was most evident in Grand Slam tournaments, he also had success at the ATP Masters 1000 level. His most notable victory came at the:

• 2014 Monte-Carlo Masters, where he defeated Roger Federer in the final, proving that he could match the very best on any given day.

He also reached three other Masters 1000 finals:

• 2008 Italian Open – Lost to Novak Djokovic.
• 2013 Madrid Open – Lost to Rafael Nadal.
• 2017 Indian Wells Masters – Lost to Roger Federer.

In team competitions, Wawrinka enjoyed Olympic and Davis Cup success:

• 2008 Beijing Olympics – Won the gold medal in doubles alongside Roger Federer, defeating Sweden’s Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson.
• 2014 Davis Cup – Played a key role in Switzerland’s victory, leading the charge with Federer to bring their country its first-ever Davis Cup title.

A Backhand for the Ages

Wawrinka’s one-handed backhand is regarded as one of the most powerful, stylish, and effective shots in tennis history. His ability to generate incredible topspin and pace, particularly on high-bouncing surfaces like clay and hard courts, made him an attacking threat against even the best defenders.

His backhand was especially dangerous on the red clay of Roland Garros, where he could rip winners from anywhere on the court. In the 2015 French Open final, he produced one of the most stunning backhand winners ever seen in a major final, leaving Djokovic frozen in admiration.

Many consider Wawrinka’s backhand to be on par with that of Roger Federer and Gustavo Kuerten, two of the finest one-handed backhand players in history.

Career Statistics: By the Numbers

• ATP Singles Titles: 16
• ATP Doubles Titles: 2
• Career Prize Money: Over $37.4 million
• Highest Singles Ranking: World No. 3 (January 27, 2014)
• ATP Tour Win-Loss Record: 578–367
• Grand Slam Finals Record: 3–1
• Total Weeks in the ATP Top 10: 278 weeks

A Fighter Until the End

Even in the latter stages of his career, Wawrinka’s passion for tennis has never wavered. He has battled multiple knee injuries, yet he continues to compete on the ATP Tour, defying the odds.

Despite a lower ranking, he received a wildcard entry for the 2025 Australian Open, marking his 19th appearance at the tournament where he won his first Grand Slam title. While younger players have taken center stage, Wawrinka’s experience and mental toughness still make him a dangerous opponent on any given day.

A Legacy of Determination and Power

Stanislas Wawrinka’s career is a testament to persistence, hard work, and belief. He proved that players outside the Big Three could not only challenge but also beat them on the biggest stages. His ability to rise to the occasion in Grand Slam finals, coupled with his beautiful backhand and fearless playing style, makes him one of the most respected figures in modern tennis.

As he enters his 40s, Wawrinka’s legacy as a Grand Slam champion, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the last great one-handed backhand specialists is firmly etched in tennis history.